Ledger walked through the streets of Canterlot, humming a merry tune to himself. Sure, he didn’t know where he was going, but he presumed he would know the place when he saw it. Rarity’s was certainly unmistakeable, after all.
Most of the architecture in Canterlot was very similar. But when he saw a group of well-dressed ponies exit one building, and he saw ponnequins in the bay windows… well, it didn't take a genius to figure out the store’s purpose.
He walked into the building, hearing the tinkle of the bell and smiling happily. He needed to instill good feelings in whoever ran this place if he was to get truly suited up.
“Welcome to Rarity’s Canterlot Boutique!” a chipper unicorn mare smiled. She had an ocean-blue coat and a styled orange mane. Her form was tall and slender, and she wore a rather appealing black skirt and saddle.
“Sassy Saddles at your service!” she beamed.
“I am Level Ledger,” the disguised ‘ling said with a tilt of his head. “I was wondering if you could possibly fit me for a suit? I’m getting married soon, and I don’t seem to have a fitting one for such an occasion.”
“Ohh, a wonderful occasion,” she said and nodded. “Well then, let’s get some measurements then. Would you follow me to the dressing room?”
“I can do that,” Ledger said, already calling to mind his locking and soundproofing spells. He’d need them at the ready in case she screamed…
“Okay, so what sort of suit are you thinking of?” she asked as she held the door open for him. The room was circular and the walls were surrounded by mirrors.
“Ah...I don’t suppose we could keep this fitting private?” Ledger asked. “My intentions are completely honorable, I just...don’t wish to be seen by anypony but you during this.”
“The customer should always be made to feel comfortable,” Sassy nodded as she closed the door. “I was about to close up for lunch anyhow, so a few extra minutes shouldn’t matter.”
“On being comfortable…” Ledger said with a sigh. “Okay, I’m...hesitant to do this. But I want you to promise you will hear me out when I make my request and not immediately dismiss me.”
“...You’re not going to do something perverted are you?” Sassy deadpanned. “Because if you are then you can just—”
That was when Ledger’s form ignited and was replaced with his actual form.
Sassy yelped and took a step back when he burst into flame. She raised a hoof and bit into it when she saw his true form. It took a minute for her to calm down and she lowered her hoof, a little red from how hard she bit it.
“W-Well, this is… so this is what she meant.”
“I kind of want to get married as myself,” Ledger said. “And my secret won’t be very important after that. Heck, I plan to walk the streets of my home as me after my wedding day. But...I need a suit. And Rarity did recommend this place.”
“R-Rarity did inform me that I might receive a… unique guest today. I wasn’t expecting a Changeling though.” She sighed and followed up with a deep breath. “I apologise for my reaction. And yes, I’d be glad to assist you. Though I must ask,” she took out a measuring tape and started. “Who is the lucky mare? Or lady-changeling?”
“Ah, well, that’s a bit of a complex answer,” Ledger replied. “As there isn’t just...one.”
“More than one?” Sassy blinked as she measured his forelegs. “A herd marriage? You can still do those? I thought they only existed in cheesy romance novels.”
“Yes, well, the mare that started this with me decided to bring it back,” Ledger said. “Though it’s totally my fault we’re in one. I wouldn’t change it for anything, though.”
“Mhmm, such a juicy romance,” she tittered as she measured along his back. “No wings?”
“I don’t normally use them, but if you want me to show off…” Ledger said.
“Well, I’ll need to know if you’d like the suit to contains holes for wings,” she said. “You hide them somehow?” The drone flicked his shell open before displaying his wings, fluttering in the shop. He was careful not to actually take off, though.
“How interesting,” Sassy murmured as she made a few notes. Some ideas came to mind and she wrote them down as well. She’d bring them up with Rarity at some point. “I think I could work something that will allow you to use them if need be.”
“I was planning on using them after the ceremony,” the drone said.
“Well there we go, just leave it to Sassy!” She giggled and measured his hindquarters and back legs. “So tell me about yourself a little. Do you have hobbies? Interests of any kind?”
“Magical research,” Ledger said. “I love taking spells apart and figuring out how they tick. Makes putting together a new one so much fun.”
“How interesting,” Sassy replied, now measuring his inner thigh. “Anything else?”
“I also run a shipping company, and we’re doing a lot better about staying on the right side of the law as compared to the previous boss,” Ledger said. “It’s almost become a hobby of mine to help the guard-captain bust crime.”
“You seem to lead quite the interesting life,” she giggled as she measured his torso and belly. “Oh, do try and hold still. I’ll be done in just a moment.”
“I can do that,” the drone said, waiting for her to be done.
After a moment or two, she rolled up the tape and nodded. “Okay, I have everything I need. Do you have a preferred colour?”
“I rather think a black suit is kind of redundant for a ‘ling,” Ledger said with a chuckle. “I trust your judgement beyond that, though."
“Given your colouration… I’m thinking…” Sassy hummed and closed her eyes. “Perhaps a dark grey or blue… Maybe even a very dark green would work.” She wrote down some more things and nodded. “Well, leave it with me. I’ll try not to disappoint.”
“Thank you,” Ledger said with a nod as he resumed his usual guise. “Approximately how long do you think it’ll take?”
“Hmm, I have no pressing orders at the moment, so, perhaps two days or so?”
“I need it by tomorrow,” the disguised ‘ling said. “I don’t suppose there’s anything I could do…”
“I would have to work through the night,” Sassy said with a small frown. “And that’s if I started right now… If you picked a suit I already have, I could modify it in an afternoon. But to create something from scratch. You really should have done this sooner.”
“Give me a break, this is the first time I’ve been married,” Ledger replied with a small laugh. “Okay, do you think you have one on hoof that you could alter to fit?”
“Perhaps... “ Sassy opened the door and trotted out into the main room. He heard the front door open and somepony come inside. The disguised ‘ling wasn’t afraid, though. He had his disguise up, there was no reason anypony would suspect him for what he was.
“Coco!” Sassy all but pounced the mare that walked inside. “Oh buttons and bobpins! You have come at the absolute most perfect time!”
“I-I have?” the small earth mare said from under the crushing hug. Well, this was...interesting. Ledger decided to wait and see how this would play out.
“Yes, I just received an urgent order from a friend of Rarity. But the problem is that it’s a rush order. It’s needed by tomorrow!”
“T-That’s awfully fast,” Coco said “Wait, so why am I…? Oh.”
“Please help meeeee!” Sassy begged, giving her huge puppy-dog eyes and a pouty lip. “I’ll be ever so grateful.”
“Well, I came to see Rarity about-”
“Pleeheheheheeeese!” Sassy turned up the pout to 11.
“...Alright,” Coco caved. “But you owe me Sassy. Dinner and lunch tomorrow!”
“Deal!” Sassy beamed and perked right up. “Good news Ledger, you might just get that suit after all~”
“Don’t think I didn’t hear that,” the disguised drone said as he walked out of the fitting room. “I’m all for getting help, but you should still check to see if there’s a suit that you can alter before having this poor mare work on a new one.”
“Oh, I don’t mind,” Coco said, she reminded Ledger a lot of Fluttershy.
“We have the suits over there,” Sassy said, resigning to his logic. “And yes, you’re quite right. I did not mean to pressure you, lovely Coco.”
“Please help me, I fear I may just spring a leak,” Ledger said in a near-perfect match of Sassy’s voice. “Even I would call that just a bit of pressure, miss.”
Sassy blushed and spluttered as Coco giggled. The earth mare stepped forward and smiled.
“Oh, don’t pick on her sir, she doesn’t mean any harm by it.” She held out a hoof. “I’m Coco Pommel, and trust me, she is nothing compared to my last boss.”
“Level Ledger,” the brown unicorn introduced himself before taking her hoof and lightly kissing it. “Charmed at making your acquaintance, dear. Shall we see if there’s a suit that suits me here?”
Coco just blushed and stammered, frozen in place by his gesture. Sassy giggled and nudged her with a hoof. “Is she not the most adorable thing you have ever seen? And yet, I’d say her skills with a needle and thread are second only to Miss Rarity.”
“Sad to say, I’ve seen cuter,” Ledger said with a wink. “Not by much, but she’s not half-bad in the cute department.”
Poor Coco’s blush only deepened as Sassy chuckled. “Well, we have a few designs here. The most popular being this one.” It was a black suit with white cuffs around the hooves and a ruffled curvat. A high, gold-trimmed collar and long coattails that ran down the flank.
“I dunno,” Ledger said. “I can’t see myself wearing something like this more than once…”
“And you think the brides would wear their dresses on a regular basis?” Sassy countered. “You get one shot at this. And it’s best to make an impression.”
“True, but I’m not from Canterlot, I don’t need to wear the ‘in’ thing,” the disguised ‘ling said. “Las Pegasus is my home, and I’d like something that suits me.”
“So, something in white with a lot of rhinestones then?” Sassy laughed.
“White, maybe. Rhinestones, not so much,” Ledger said. “I was always of the opinion that less was more when it came to jewels on clothing.”
“Rarity does like her razzle-dazzle,” Coco giggled. “No, I think that custom order is the best bet. Trust me, with me helping, you’ll have it by tomorrow morning.”
“Coco here sowed six dresses in one evening,” Sassy nodded. “But, we will charge you a little extra~”
“I’d be willing to pay even more if you can have it delivered to Ponyville first thing tomorrow,” Ledger replied. “I’ll be ready and waiting for it there.”
“No small feat to be sure,” Sassy said and looked at Coco. The little mare nodded and Sassy grinned. “So be it Mr. Ledger. We shall endeavour to excel.”
“Okay, oh,” Ledger said, checking the windows before looking at Coco. “And in case the order seems strange or the measurements seem off…” With that, his eyes shifted to the ones Sassy had seen briefly in the fitting room, before shifting back to normal.
“What?” Coco blinked. Had that been a trick of the light? His eyes looked different.
“He’s a changeling dear Coco,” Sassy said. “And a friend of Rarity, so don’t be afraid.”
“Afraid?” Coco smiled at him. Gods above it was cute. “I live in downtown Manehatten. This is pretty normal.”
“I’d show off, but I have a wedding to help plan. Pretty sure I need to attend a rehearsal something-or-other by now,” the disguised ‘ling said before winking at Coco. “You take care now. Don’t burn yourselves out making my suit.”
“It’s not a problem,” Sassy smiled and Coco nodded. “Say hello to Rarity for us, and we’ll see you tomorrow.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you both,” the ‘ling said before leaving.
“Well Coco dear,” Sassy bumped her flank with her own. “Let’s get started, then I’ll treat you to that meal~”
Apple Leaves paced up and down the train platform, glancing at the wall mounted clock every few seconds, before looking at the currently barren train-tracks.
“Come on, come on,” she muttered. Where was he?
“Somepony’s impatient,” Velvet giggled, but the earth mare didn’t seem to hear her as she resumed her irritable pacing.
“She’s probably just misses whomever it is we’re waiting for,” Night Light said. The shrill sound of a whistle sounded as the train came over the horizon line. And when it drew closer, the changelings could sense quite a bit of determination, as well as some love as a single massive earth pony dragged the train into the station. He had a similar build to Big Macintosh, only he was a little bigger. He could have easily looked the madame in the eye in her true form.
“Honey!” Apple Leaves launched herself off of the platform once the train had come to a stop. The stallion barely had time to unhook himself from the train before the slender mare landed on his back, hugging his neck.
“I take it he’s the father to Apple Cider,” Wishful said aloud.
“I believe that to be a safe assumption, unless Apple Leaves is this huggy normally,” the Madame said with a chuckle.
Eventually, the pair made their way up onto the platform as the stallion looked over the group.
“Everypony,” Apple Leaves said with a wide smile. “This is my husband, Full Steam. Steamy? These are the parents of our future son and daughters-in-law.”
Full Steam nodded politely. The Madame smiled and tilted her head slightly in greeting, a sentiment that Wishful echoed.
“Nice to meet you,” Night Light nodded and extended a hoof. Full Steam took and and shook, it was surprisingly normal, despite the fact that he’d just hauled a freaking train.
“I trust my wife hasn’t been too nosy?” he rumbled in a deep tone, causing Apple Leaves to swat his flank with a hoof.
“She’s been quite the charming guide around town,” Wishful replied.
“Exactly, I haven’t pried into anyone’s private life… yet,” Apple Leaves nodded.
Steam chuckled and looked at the group. “So, might I ask who’s who here?”
“Night Light and Twilight Velvet,” the blue unicorn said with a nod. “We’re Twilight’s parents.”
“I am Moon Song, and this grumpy bat is Grissom,” the beautiful mare smiled. “We’re Midnight Song’s parents.” Grissom rolled his eyes at the introduction, but nodded his head nonetheless.
“I am Madame Gossip,” the silver mare introduced herself.
“And I’m her better half, Wishful Hope,” the violet unicorn stallion said with a smile. “We’re Ledger’s parents.”
Full Steam looked around. The miniscule amount of passengers had disembarked and the group was all alone on the platform.
“So,” he asked. “You’re like him then?”
“Mmhmm, but we’ll refrain from causing a panic in the town,” Wishful said. “Won’t we dear.”
“I still say I could-”
“Won’t we.”
“Fine,” the Madame said with a roll of her eyes. “I won’t do anything.”
Full Steam raised an eyebrow at his wife, who just shrugged in response. She’d not taken anything they’d said seriously since breakfast.
“Well, one would want to hope you wouldn’t upstage your own son’s wedding hmm?” Steam nodded as the group started heading back into town.
“Or break the whole ‘no invading’ rule,” Wishful said with a nod of his own. “We’re here to relax, not stress anypony else out.”
“It’s Ponyville,” Apple Leave chuckled. “You could waltz in with an army and I doubt they’d even offer you a second glance.”
“See, I could totally-”
Wishful cut his wife off with a quick swat across the nose. “No. No invading, no doing anything that could upset the ponies before our son’s wedding.”
“Alright, I’m curious,” Velvet said. “This town has not only an alicorn princess and the Elements of Harmony, but Aerial Ace, one of Celestia’s finest combat instructors, Former Queen Chrysalis and Midnight Song, whom I have been told, has gone hoof-to-hoof with Tirek. Exactly how would you take this town, and keep it for more than fifteen minutes?”
“Simple,” the Madame replied. “I’d run for mayor.”
Everypony stopped and stared. That… was her grand plan?
“Hate to break it to you,” Grissom said. “But you must be an Equestrian citizen to run for a government position, and have been one for more than three years.”
“And what makes you think I don’t have a certificate of citizenship locked away in my home, and a form to use it with?” the silver mare countered with. “Plus it’d be nice and legal.”
“Because I’m the one that handles citizenship for Changelings,” Grissom replied with a smug smile of his own. “I know you possess no such thing.”
“And how long have you been running that business?” the Madame said with that same enigmatic smile.
“Long enough to know that ever since Chrysalis’ little ploy, we revoked the citizenship of all Changelings in Equestria. Only the ones that went through the right channels to get them back are accepted. So if you have one from before that, and never got it renewed… I’m afraid it’s worth about as much as toilet paper.”
“Still, you would have to know which persona of mine it goes to,” the Madame hummed. “And the Royal Silver line has more than a few investments in Equestria. Investments that I keep on top of when I can. Good luck finding me, Captain~”
“Well, it’s just a matter of when,” he said with his own fanged smirk. Oh he just had to play chess with her sometime.
“Okay, say that it works, and you are now Mayor of Ponyville,” Moon Song said. “Then what? The first act from you that could be considered immoral or evil would bring rainbows down on your head.”
“Of course I wouldn’t overtly act against anyone,” the mare said. “All I would do that could even remotely be suspicious is authorize the construction of new houses and welcome the new members of Ponyville personally.”
“New members?” Moon asked.
“More changelings I’d wager,” Velvet said. “Perhaps enough to outnumber the pony citizens? And likely ones that are extremely loyal to you personally.”
“Not for a long, long time,” the mare said. “I’d play the long game. Welcome them over the years, to not seem suspicious. Make an information network, to discreetly see if any of the citizens are suspicious of anyone that actually is a ‘ling. I doubt I’d ever actually get to the point where Ponyville was more changelings than ponies in my lifetime. I’d end up passing the work over to Ledger in the end.”
“Provided he’d do something like that,” Grissom nodded. “He’s about to become a Prince-Consort after all.”
“What pony wouldn’t want a town of their own?” the Madame countered with.
“It’d probably work, provided you could keep the office of mayor long enough,” Twilight Velvet said as they passed Town Hall. “But honestly, it still sounds dreadfully boring. But then, flashy and dramatic hasn’t seemed to work out so far.”
“Plus Las Pegasus is already mostly changeling-friendly,” the silver mare said. “I may not have to do too much before Equestria just looks at changelings as another sort of pony.”
“That is what we’re working towards,” Grissom nodded. He chuckled and looked at Town Hall, just as the mayor emerged and gave the group a friendly wave. “Besides, this town’s been invaded so many times, there’s probably a standardized form you could just fill out.”
“I’ll keep it in mind, and work on suitable action-thriller one liners for the inevitable confrontation,” the Madame said with a chuckle.
“Hmm, there’s a question,” Leaves mused. “Let’s say it all goes south and you’re facing Twilight and her friends. You have a plan for getting out of that without becoming a lawn ornament?”
“Pfft, at least her stony expression would be more literal then,” Wishful snickered.
“Hmmm…” the mare hummed. “I think the best thing I could do would be to research some sort of charm that could reverse a stoning spell like that, and cast it right before they impacted me.”
“Been there, tried that,” Discord said, a tiny version sitting on the Madame’s head. “Trust me, once you taste the rainbow, there’s no going back.”
“Hmm. Anti-magic spells? Ones designed to stop all magic, cast in an area?” she asked the tiny spirit of chaos.
“Nope, and shields, barriers and simply trying to dodge doesn’t work either.” Discord. “Oh, and their new powers? Stronger than all the pony magic in Equestria combined, and that includes all four alicorns.”
“Well, then I have a simple plan,” the Madame said with a grin. “I’ll have to research ancient artifacts and see if any of them might even possibly be capable of standing up to such magic. Otherwise, well, I’ll just have to strike my best pose, but that’s a risk I’d have to be willing to take if I were to go into this venture.”
“I mean, breaking their friendship doesn’t work,” Discord said.
“Yes, but you tried hypnosis,” Moon Song said. “It’s far more effective to be subtle about it. And using false evidence won’t work either.”
“Now you’re plotting?” Grissom chuckled. “Hoo boy.”
“Scapegoats always work. The flashier the better,” Velvet mused. “I mean, Chrysalis made for quite the stunning display, I’m surprised that nopony tried anything while she had the entire guard focused on her.”
“Hmm, so part of my long game should be breaking up the former Bearers, and doing so subtly,” the nymph mused. “Already, the wheels turn…”
“Stop giving her ideas,” Wishful groaned. “Still, there’s one thing you haven’t accounted for dear?”
“Do tell,” the nymph said. Yes, seeing to it that Miss Dash had a spot in the Wonderbolts would do for one. Maybe help Miss Rarity and Miss Applejack get greater publicity for another few?
“That going up against his mares might just annoy Ledger. It might force him to choose between them and you…”
“True,” the Madame sighed. “Ah well. Maybe another town then. I hear good things about Manehatten.”
“Wait, you’ll take on princesses and rainbow powers, but not Ledger?” Discord asked.
“If there is one thing you should take to heart, spirit, it is that my love for my son surpasses all things,” the nymph said. “You should see if you can adopt, maybe then you’ll understand. He’s my firstborn...and if it ever came down to where I was forcing him to choose between his wives and myself, then clearly, I’ve done something wrong.”
“Adopt? Me?” Discord flashed and reappeared full-sized. “That would be a very, very bad idea. I’m not exactly parent material.”
“Pity, I guess that’s one thing we mortals will always have on you,” the Madame said with her smile.
“It’s one thing to know the truth,” Discord said and looked directly into her silver eyes. “It’s another to rub it in.” And with that, he was gone.
Not before he turned her mane a bright plaid though…
“He really should learn to relax a little,” the mare said, deciding to roll with the mane for now and pass it off as a prank from the spirit. Far less problematic than trying to shift it back and having to explain that. “I’m sure if he actually tried, he might find himself at a point when he wants to be a parent.”
“Could you imagine somepony raised by Discord?” Velvet chuckled. “Nice mane by the way. Very…” she paused and then shrugged. “I’ve got nothing.”
“I’m sure it’ll wear off eventually. That, or I’ll be able to cancel it out with the right spells.” The mare looked at them all and giggled. “So, where to next?”
“It’s hard to take you seriously like that,” Wishful giggled. “And perhaps some lunch is in order…” Another whistle sounded as the train from Canterlot pulled in.
“That sounds good to me,” she said with a nod. “Shall we?”
“Sure!” Apple Leaves nodded as she cozied up to her husband. The group walked off, and a few moments later, the Canterlot train disembarked, leaving a brown-coated unicorn on the station. The residual emotions clearly telling him his parents had been here.
“...Well, on the one hoof, I want to follow, but on the other hoof, Twi’s a stickler for schedules,” Ledger sighed. “I’d better head to the boutique and see if I can catch her there.”
As he got closer to the oddly designed building. I mean, really? Was it designed like a carousel because of the name? Or was it named because of the design of the building?
Either way, the doors were nearly blasted off of their hinges as a rainbow maned pegasus and blonde thestral flew out at breakneck speeds, hollering something about freedom.
“Rainbow! Midnight! GET BACK HERE!” Twilight yelled before sighing. “Celestia dammit.”
“Well, that tells me the fitting is done,” the brown unicorn said before walking up to Twilight and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I could go look for them if you’d like…”
“You think you could catch them?” Twilight sighed again and returned his kiss.
“Those two have been antsier than a timberwolf near a wood chipper,” Cider agreed as she walked out as well. “Th’ fittin’s done anyway. Well, at least fer us. Chryssie and Twi are gonna be stuck here a little while longer.”
“Speaking of,” Twilight said. She looked at Ledger with those soul-crushing doe eyes. “I was supposed to run an Open Court this afternoon…”
“You want me. One of the snarkier changelings in Las Pegasus. To run your open court,” Ledger said, illuminating the problem with that idea with his words.
“All of my friends are busy, so it’s either you…” She waved a hoof and pointed at a certain pink pony. “Or Pinkie Pie. Do you want to put Pinkie in a position of actual authority?”
“Nope, in fact,” Ledger said before speaking up. “Hey Pinkie!”
“What’s up?” Pinkie said and bounced over. She even made little ‘boing’ sounds as she did. “Heehee, I’m a kangaroo~”
“Middy and Rainbow are hiding, do you think you could find them?” the disguised drone asked of the Pink pony. Pinkie gasped and zoomed off in a pink blur, returning even before her afterimage faded, a pegasus and a thestral in her grip.
“Found ‘em~”
“Good work Pinkie!” Ledger said. “Make sure they don’t go anywhere before Twilight says they can.” With that, he gave both Midnight and Twilight a kiss before making his way back to the large crystal tree-palace-thing. He could do this for Twilight.
Probably.
And so, he sat upon Twilight’s chair, the massive round table gleaming softly in the gentle light of the afternoon.
And he was so immensely bored.
Not a single pony had walked in all afternoon. Which might have been fine…
If that meant he didn’t have to be alone in the same room as Sugar Darling. Fortunately, he’d grown quite skilled at tuning her out.
It helped that he had his book to fall back on for entertainment.
“Bah, you’re no fun at all,” Sugar pouted as she reclined on Pinkie’s chair rather provocatively. “How your mares get any fun out of you is a mystery.”
Ledger didn’t reply, instead choosing to focus on the mystery of Twilight’s device. If he could unravel the principles behind it, he might be able to figure out how it worked and replicate it.
“I’m beginning to think you have no sex drive at all, and your mares are just covering for you,” she continued. She glanced up and looked at the stoic stallion, his muzzle buried in his book. “You know it’s rude to ignore a lady right?”
Ledger, once again, said nothing. Hmm, these notes from Time Turner were proving interesting as well…
“I bet I could take you in my mouth right now and you’d not even notice.”
One more, the only response from Ledger was silence. The notes from their teleportation plates might also tie into this mystery…
“And I’d do it too… if Moonie had said I could,” Sugar continued. “But I’ll be a good mare and remain faithful… for now anyway~”
The only thing that came from the drone was the sound of pages turning. This really was proving to be quite the puzzle. But he’d figure it out. He always did.
“Oh Ledger~?” Sugar said, mimicking Midnight’s voice. “You wanna play with me~?”
The drone didn’t even twitch.
She stood up and marched over to him, then moved around behind the throne and started reading over his shoulder. She switched to Twilight’s voice and started reading aloud to him in a husky tone.
Once more, the only thing he did was read before turning the pages. He was going to figure this out, and without anypony coming into this court, he had all the time in the day to do it too.
“Seriously? Nothing?” Sugar pouted and sighed. “Fine. I get it. You don’t like me. Fine! I’ll just leave!”
“Hmm?” Ledger said as he looked up. “Did you say something?”
Sugar just blinked as her hoof made it’s way to her forehead. It was also around then that the door opened and two ponies walked in. They were both earth pony females. One had a cream coat and a two-tone red mane while the other had a light pink mane and tail with a sky-blue coat.
“Ah hello!” Ledger said with a smile. “Welcome to open court! Sadly, Princess Twilight and all her friends are very busy today, so they have left running this to me. What can I help you with?”
“Huh? Twilight isn’t here?” the cream mare looked around.
“At least it’s something,” the other said with a thick accent. “I am Lotus, and this is Roseluck!!”
“We need a dispute settled,” Rose replied.
“Please, present your case,” Ledger said as he snapped his book shut. Sugar rolled her eyes and sat on another throne, looking at the cute mares.
“We buy our roses from Miss Roseluck here,” Lotus said. “We require them for our spa services. But out of the blue, she raises the prices on us, despite the amount we purchase from her.”
“Because it’s harder to grow them in the winter,” Rose argued. “Normally I have an abundance of stock, but right now, I can barely fill your regular order, let alone anypony else who wants to buy some!”
“I see,” Ledger said. “And when the spring returns, you would find it easier to grow roses again, Miss Roseluck?” He tapped the horn on his head for emphasis. “I don’t do a lot of growing myself.”
“Of course.” Rose sat down and went into detail. “Winter is the ideal time to plant roses, but they won’t bloom until early Spring. I simply don’t have the supply to maintain the demand during Winter. And it doesn’t help that they’ve ordered more than usual as well.”
“We expanded and added two new baths,” Lotus said. “We have already explained this to Miss Roseluck in advance and said we’d be increasing our order by an additional twenty five percent.”
“But you have to take into account the winter months!” Rose argued back. “And I need some for Hearth's Warming in a few weeks!”
Ledger cleared his throat in an effort to regain control of the situation.
The mares stopped and looked at him.
“Ladies,” he said simply. “I don’t see why you can’t come to terms and maintain this mutually beneficial relationship...as long as you both make it clear what you can and cannot do, and don’t expect unreasonable things from the other party. Respecting the other pony is how true friendships are maintained and grow stronger over time.”
The two looked at one another and then smiled.
“Well, the winter months are a little quieter. I suppose we could lessen our order and increase the price of the rose baths a little to compensate.”
“And I’ll stick to our agreed upon price, but I still need to keep some in stock for other customers,” Roseluck said. “Though, if I can’t make your whole order, then I’ll give you a discount.”
The two mares smiled and shared a brief hug before thanking Ledger and leaving. Once they’d gone, Sugar chuckled as she picked up his book with her magic.
“Well that was a sappy friendship speech there,” she giggled. Ledger teleported the book next to him and cracked it open once again.
“Works for both ponies and maintaining a healthy business relationship between my company and others,” the drone said as he resumed his reading.
“I’m well aware on how friendship works Ledger,” Sugar replied and hummed. “Well, not that you’d know it from watching us.”
“I still don’t know why you’re here,” Ledger said as he turned a page. “You have an entire castle you could be exploring, and you choose to be in the one room with me in it.”
“Because nopony else is here and I’m lonely, a Violet doesn’t do lonely very well love.”
“I’m picking up on that,” the disguised ‘ling said. “But seeing as how I’m predominantly a Silver, it’s not something I mind all that much for long...still, I won’t make you leave. Just don’t expect a lot of interaction from me.”
“Hmm? What was that? I’m having the most delightful conversation with this wall.”
“Alright, I get it,” Ledger said with a chuckle. “I probably could have been a bit more...interactive. I just found something I don’t understand and I’m trying desperately to unravel its mysteries. Sort of like you with that Thestral book you’re trying to write.”
“That’s a dead end until I can get one to… test a few theories with,” Sugar sighed. “And the only one I deem worthy is all but taken. Life is so cruel…”
“You know there’s a colony of them up in Hollow Shades, right?” Ledger asked. “I’m sure if you wrote them and asked quite nicely, they could send you a few test subjects. You’d probably have to pay them to make the journey, though…”
“But they’re not like her,” Sugar replied. “Besides, I have Moondancer now. Which means no more sleeping with anything that has a heartbeat. Though, there was that one stallion that could work the most detailed magical constructs…”
“And that’s more about your sex life than I ever needed to know,” Ledger said, already regretting his decision to listen to her and wondering when Twilight and the others would be back.
“Oh, I’ll gladly share any little tidbits,” she giggled. “Remember that delightful book you got? Who said it was a complete one?”
“I’ve not yet had a chance to work through the books I did get,” Ledger replied. “The mares are understandably wary of letting me try new spells in bed. One of their first moves now is to try and disable my magic so that we have a normal night.”
“Ohh, did somepony get a little too ambitious?” she giggled. “Tell me.”
“Let’s just say they’re tired of me using my magic to cheat in bed and leave it at that,” the drone said, blushing a little at sharing that much with her.
“Cheating?” Sugar mulled that word around in her bed. “Now I highly doubt that you’d try and bring in another mare. You’re not that bold. And you probably don’t have the magic for that construct spell.” She grinned wickedly and licked her lips. “Now I must know.”
“A number of the spells in that book work wonderfully when used together to nearly melt any mare I use it on...except Midnight. She can break out of the Denial one by sheer will,” Ledger said. “All the others, I can put them into a state where they can’t finish but want to with the right spells and touches. She breaks free.”
“She… she broke the Denial spell?” Sugar replied slowly. “Ledger… can I please borrow her? I have to now.”
“Sorry, she’s ours,” Ledger said. “Though she does have a cousin or two…”
“You can’t beat the original,” Sugar pouted. “And she did that neat thing to Moondancer that made her insatiable. That’s just… between her skills and that delicious gift of yours… It’s not fair dang it!”
“Things are rarely fair,” the brown unicorn said. “They are what they are, it’s up to us to make of them what we will.”
“You are insufferable,” Sugar pouted. And it was around then that Midnight wandered into the room. She locked eyes with Ledger and smiled, her wings flaring…
Ledger sighed and closed his book, preparing himself for the incoming hug that he thought he was about to receive.
That was when something booped his nose and giggled. He opened one eye and sighed in relief that he hadn’t been pounced.
Then she pounced him, giggling as she hugged him tightly.
“There’s the Midnight I know and love,” he said, hugging her back. “So, where’re the others?”
“I dunno,” she shrugged. “I ditched them back at the Boutique. And really? Siccing a pink on me? It’s a good thing Rarity has an old-fashioned radiator heater and I carry hoof-cuffs everywhere.”
“Kinky,” Ledger replied automatically. “Though I don’t think you’re going to get away with that for very long…”
“Long enough to get a hug and some kisses,” Midnight replied and looked over at Sugar. “Huh? It’s rare to see you two in the same room alone. Are you seducing her Ledger?”
“Mnope,” Ledger said with a shake of his head. “I’m faithful to you mares, you know that.”
“He couldn’t charm this crystal table with his current attitude,” Sugar giggled.
“Aw, but those silvery eyes of his are so pretty,” Midnight said and kissed him lightly on the lips again. “So, having fun, Princess Ledger?”
“Hardly,” the drone replied. “I got more action from the table than the ponies today. Nopony seems to need the court to solve a dispute.”
“You must be the only pony on the planet that likes work,” Midnight giggled. “You and Twilight are so made for each other.”
“Ledger… share?” Sugar pouted, moving up next to Midnight.
“No,” Ledger replied, hugging Midnight a bit closer. “She’s my crazy batpony, and you can’t have her.”
“Not even a hug?” Sugar pouted with big sparkly eyes.
“Mine,” Ledger said, even hissing a little at the older nymph.
“Ledger, play nice,” Midnight said and booped his nose. “It’s not like she’s going to gobble me up or something.”
The drone crossed his eyes and shook his head, before glaring at the nymph, still clearly reluctant to allow her anywhere near his bride-to-be.
“You’re so silly,” Midnight giggled and kissed his nose before nibbling his ear. “You know, it’s a quiet day, there’s a big old crystal table that needs breaking in…”
“On any other day, I would, but ponies can still show up for Open Court,” Ledger sighed. “I’d rather not tell them to come back because we’re doing something they shouldn’t be seeing on the table.”
“Aww, and seeing that the table can do this,” she bumped it with her hip and the holomap popped up. “We could literally do it all over Equestria~”
Sugar didn’t even bother to hold back that snort of amusement.
“Don’t worry, I have a plan for that,” Ledger said before kissing her. “But for now, you’ll have to restrain yourself.”
Midnight paused and pondered the foreign word. “The only ‘restraint’ I know involves ropes and hoofcuffs.”
“Why does that not surprise me,” the drone said dryly.
“Because I am me and you love me,” Midnight giggled and kissed his ear. “Wait til you see me in my dress. I look amazing~”
“You say that like you already don’t look amazing,” he replied.
“There’s more sap here than a forest,” Sugar said. “Well, I’m going to find Moondancer now. Do everything that I would do~” She leaned down and gave each of them a kiss on the muzzle before leaving.
“That nymph,” Ledger sighed. “Well, it’s back to watching Twi’s court for me.”
“I bet you’d like to watch something else of Twi’s,” Midnight giggled and sat in Rainbow’s throne. It wasn’t long before another pony entered.
“Hmm, Princess Twilight isn’t here?” the brown-coated stallion asked. “Oh? Mr. Ledger. Good to see you again old chap!”
“Time Turner,” Ledger said with a smile. “Those notes you provided proved quite useful, Twilight’s got a working portal up now. And yes, she and her friends are off doing a thing today, but she was loathe to close the court. So, it falls to me to answer your woes.”
“Woes? Hmm, yes, I suppose I do have a few of those,” he looked and Midnight and smiled. “And who’s this lovely young lady?”
“I’m Midnight Song, beautiful Thestral, Solar Guard and all around Best Bat,” she smiled. “So you’re one of Ledger’ buddies huh? What can we do for you.”
“Well, it’s… something of a private matter, and a mare’s insight would prove helpful,” he said. “You see, there’s a… a certain mare that I have my eye on, but…”
“Middy, is he seriously asking this?” Ledger asked aloud.
“Be nice!” she hissed and jabbed his ribs. “Not every stallion has four gorgeous mares fall into his lap. Now,” she turned to Turner. “You want to get somepony’s attention?”
He nodded.
“Good. Then the best advice is be yourself. If she can’t like that, then that’s that.”
“It’s… really that simple?”
“Don’t lie to her. And make your feelings clear okay. Trust me on this.”
“If there’s anything there, you’ll know right away,” Ledger agreed. “And if not, at least you’ll know that way as well.”
“Ah, wonderful,” Turner sighed and nodded. “There was something else though, regarding the notes I gave to Princess Twilight regarding the transmorphic gates.”
“The what?” Midnight said as her brain checked out. It wasn’t awesome or sexy sounding, so she was out.
“Do tell,” Ledger said, giving Time Turner his undivided attention.
“Well, I have determined that there is a slight chance of an… error, occurring in the wormhole it generates,” Turner said with some slight trepidation.
“Define slight,” Ledger said. “And what would the error consist of?”
“Well, the margin of error is about oh-point three percent,” he said. “And the error itself, well, one is that the wormhole could open up in a different location. Another… well, even I don’t know. Another dimension, a different time… magic is, unpredictable at times.”
“I don’t like the idea of errors happening in our teleportation,” Ledger said. “Maybe if we get Twilight over here, you can tell us what the problem itself is. In the meantime...Midnight, would you mind escorting Turner to the portal itself? Maybe he can come up with something.”
“Ehhhh?” she frowned and sighed dramatically. “Why do I get stuck with the egghead stuff?”
“Because you surround yourself with eggheads,” he said before kissing her. “I’m not asking you to stay with him, but I hafta stay here. Just show him where it is and come back, if you like.”
Midnight just shrugged and hopped off of her chair, sauntering out of the door with a slight sway in her hips. Time Turner gulped and looked at Ledger, tugging at the collar of his tie.
“She’s uh, quite the mare isn’t she?”
“That’s one way to put it,” Ledger said with a snicker. “Well, I’ll let Twilight know when she shows up that she should see you. I’m sure that between the two of you, you can figure out her portal device.”
Turner nodded and followed Midnight, those he tried to keep his gaze off of those swaying flanks of hers.
And as he left, Ledger heard the door open almost right after, as a line of about thirty ponies could be seen waiting.
“Oh boy,” Ledger said as he sat back in Twilight’s chair. “Today just got longer.”
By the time Princess Twilight returned, she saw a few ponies exiting her castle, giving her a friendly wave as they did. Twilight quirked an eyebrow and trotted inside. They weren’t upset? Miffed? Even mildly disgruntled?
Did… Ledger just not see them?
“Ledger?” Twilight called out as she walked in. “You still here? Or did a Changeling replace you?”
“Uuuuuugh,” Ledger said as he slumped in Twilight’s chair, his head on the table.
“Hmm, you sound like Ledger,” she chuckled as she walked closer. “But changelings can be tricky. How do I know it’s really you?”
“Ponies are too high-maintenance,” Ledger said. “I’m gonna run away with Scope now.”
“Run away huh?” Twilight took a seat in Rarity’s chair and hummed. “Well I guess you could. I mean, provided Treasure would actually go with you. Oh, and if you think you can escape Midnight.”
“Fifteen disputes. Fifteen. None of which needed more than a kind word and the right bit of wisdom to get them to resolve it on their own.” Ledger groaned again. “Just...how do you live here?”
“Hmm, seems you’ve learned quite a bit today,” Twilight giggled and her eyes sparkled. “You should write a letter to Princess Celestia about it!”
“I’ve learned how exhausting your job is,” the disguised drone said. “Oh, I remember. Time Turner, the stallion who gave me those notes you positively exploded over? He says there’s a chance of an error with the portal device. Now I’m sure you checked it over, but he’s waiting by it nonetheless in case you want to hear him out.”
“Hmm, alright, I’ll go and have a talk with him,” Twilight teleported in some paper and a quill. “Meanwhile, you can get started on that letter~”
“When my brain recovers,” Ledger groaned. “Can you see to the stallion, please? And Midnight’s loose in the castle somewhere.”
“You let her run free, oh that’s just peachy,” Twilight sighed. Now she could likely get pounced from anywhere. She just giggled and left the room, heading off towards her lab and the portal within.
Ledger just sighed and stared at the paper. Maybe another cup of coffee would help him think of what to write…
In the basement, Twilight found Midnight and Turner, the former poking at some potion bottles on the shelf.
“Don’t touch those,” Twilight warned her. “Some earlier results of Appleblooms alchemy. I haven’t been able to dispose of them properly yet.”
Midnight shrugged as her marefriend and Turner started talking in terms that just flew over her head.
“And now I am bored,” she sighed. Deciding to leave them to their nerd things, she headed back up stairs, only to see Ledger writing away at something.
“Everypony has something to do but me,” she said to herself. Well, time to explore Ponyville then~
The parents had enjoyed a nice lunch and had now gone their separate ways for the time being. The Madame and Wishful had only just started to look around when Miss Yearling reappeared, though, she was without her two escorts.
“Hah, finally found you,” she said. “You’re not an easy mare to find, even in such a small town.”
“I do pride myself on only being found when I want to be,” the disguised nymph said with that enigmatic smile. “I take it you have questions you wish answered?”
The pegasus nodded and looked at Wishful. “Um, I don’t suppose, we could have this chat privately?” Even in the evening sun, her blush was unmistakable.
“I’ll be nearby,” the drone said before giving his wife a kiss. “Play nice now.”
“No promises~” the nymph said as her husband walked off. Once he was a fair distance away, she gestured for the mare to ask her questions.
She paused, making certain the stallion was gone before she sighed lightly. “This… is probably going to sound a little weird,” she said. She flittered her wings and looked away. “I was wondering, if you could tell me about the uh… the ‘Right of Claiming’?”
“Ah yes, one of the Blue ceremonies, used by nymphs and drones alike to stake a claim on one of their members of the military. It boils down to the significant other of the ‘ling in question challenging the commanding officer of the one they love to ‘earn their freedom and loyalty’. It’s all terribly dramatic.” There was a pause then, and the mare smiled. “Does this mean?...”
Yearling blushed harder and closed her eyes. “I know it’s weird alright. But… I really like Lucky and Devoted. And…” She sighed again and looked at the sliver mare. “Is it… exclusively for changelings?”
“No, anyone can make the challenge. Though, if you want to know who Devoted’s commanding officer is…” the mare hummed. “He was a gift from the Blue king to my brother, to be the best bodyguard possible. I persuaded him to give him over, so I could assign him to be your bodyguard during your trip. I assume any of those would work, as long as he was there to observe it.”
“So, either the King of the Blue Hive, or your brother? And Devoted has to be there to witness it.” Yearling nodded as she committed it to memory. “And, exactly how would one go about this? You know, hypothetically speaking.”
“It starts simply, with a challenge to the authority in question for the right to court the nymph or drone they like. After a bit of back and forth about loyalty and what the one doing the challenging means to them, it ends either one of two ways.”
“Um, would you mind waiting right here?” Yearling suddenly said and zoomed off so fast, her hat and cloak were left fluttering in the air where she stood but a moment ago. It didn’t take long for her to return, dragging a slightly struggling Devoted and Lucky with her.
“Haah, o-okay.. back,” she panted. That was probably the fastest she ever flew.
“Interesting,” the silver mare said with a raised eyebrow.
“Yearling, what the buck?” Lucky said.
“I second that question,” Devoted added. “First you ditch us, then you find us and drag us back with you.”
“Okay, yeah, sorry… had to, check on something,” she said as she stopped to get her breath back. “Alright!” She nodded and stretched her wings as she psyched herself up mentally. “Now, I am to understand that you are the sister to the King of the Silver Hive yes?”
“Indeed I am,” the Madame said. “What of it?”
“Then I, Amy K. Yearling, also known as Daring Do. Hereby request the Right of Claim to one Lucky Bastard and one Devoted Cause!”
“Do you now,” the Madame said, before looking over at the drones. “Drones, step forward. Do you have any current contracts with any current military of the Lands that would prevent you from answering her claim?”
Lucky shook his head and said a simply denial. Devoted, on the other hoof…
“I am contracted to you, Madame, to protect this mare for as long as she is writing her book on the Lands,” the blue stallion said. “And after that, my duty is to protect the Silver King.”
“Indeed,” the Madame said. “Do you claim that your right to Devoted Cause is of such great need that you could break his contract?”
“I…” Yearling paused at this. She had only known him for about a fortnight, yet he’d already risked his life for her. And that night in the Violet Hive had been… magical.
Still…
“I wish for him to keep his contract as my guard.” Daring said. She turned to the both of them and smiled. “I still want to get to know the both of you more. And, once my book is done.” She looked directly at Devoted. “Then I’ll have my decision.”
“Then your right of claim is suspended, for now,” the Madame replied. “Return to me when you’ve made up your mind, and we shall resume your challenge for him.”
“So I can’t claim Lucky either? Until my decision about Devoted is made?” A thought occurred and she looked at the pair. “I suppose the real question is… would the two of you even want to be with me? I’m kind of flighty and stubborn. I’m always travelling because of my work and I write, like a lot.”
“Oh no, you can claim Lucky now,” the Madame said. “He has no previous engagements, so he’s fair game. Devoted, however…”
“And you really need to ask that question?” Lucky said. “As long as you promised to be good to me, I promise to stay by you. Heck, I’d probably be right there with you on the front lines for some of these books.”
“And...I want to stay by you, I do,” Devoted said. “I just...can’t leave a contract I’ve taken.”
“Can… can I ask why?” Yearling replied. “Why do you two want to be with me? Somepony who isn’t even the same species. Somepony you barely know?”
“I’d like to think we’ve gotten to know one another pretty well over the past few days, at least, during those rare moments when you had your necklace off,” Lucky replied. “You’re brave, courageous, diving headfirst into every situation. When you became aware of where the Lands were, your response was ‘Sounds like excellent material for a book.’ Most ponies from Equestria would probably have said ‘Let’s avoid that,’ and that’s before you tell them about the monsters.”
“And I have grown to be quite fond of you, Yearling,” Devoted added. “Something we who are trained as bodyguards are warned not to do. But...I can’t help it. You could have left me there. You could have run and saved yourself. But you...saved me. Most ponies would have fled.”
Yearling sniffed and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Madame?” she said with a cracked voice. “I’ve changed my mind. “I am Claiming the bucking hay out of these two!”
“I would ask you what you know of Loyalty, to test yours against Devoted’s contract, but I think he did that for you,” the Madame chuckled. “Do you vow by all you hold dear to take care of these drones as though they were your own flesh and blood?”
“Is there any other way?” she asked. “Of course I’ll care for them, since they’re so willing to put up with me in return,” she smiled and gave them both a brief nuzzle.
“Do you promise to care for all their needs?” the Madame continued. “I have to ask, since you’re a pony claiming a ‘ling.”
Yearling gulped. “You mean to feed them right? My love?”
“Something along those lines, yes,” the Madame said. “We do require emotional sustenance, you know.”
“Well, Devoted said you feed off of passive emotion in the air, but…” she swallowed the lump in her throat and looked at her. “I’m guessing you mean something a little more direct.”
“They can feed off you passively and sustain themselves for days at a time that way. But if they ever needed to feed off you more directly, would you feed them?”
Yearling was silent for a moment and then turned to the drones. “Does it hurt?”
“If done right, no,” Lucky said. “And I would never hurt you.”
“Nor I,” Devoted added.
Yearling nodded and gave them a smile. “Then, I want you to do it right now.”
Lucky and Devoted shared a look, and the blue pegasus tilted his head. Lucky took that as his cue, and walked forward, nearly kissing Yearling with how close he stood to her. “You may notice a slight tingling sensation,” he said. “Don’t jerk away. Then it will hurt.”
She nodded and remained still. “I trust you.”
Lucky smiled and gave her a light kiss, just on the lips, before activating his more...well, active method of feeding on her. Her wings flared out at the sensation, but she did as he instructed and didn’t pull away, despite all of her pony instincts screaming at her that this was a predator. She should run…
Sooner than she thought, the kiss was broken and Lucky was smacking his lips. “Wow, that was some good courage right there, standing still in the face of your fears,” he complimented her. “I’m good for a while now.”
“Courage? Oh right, Yellow…” Yearling blushed and rubbed her head. “Well, step on up Devoted. Your turn.”
Lucky stepped back, and the blue pegasus took his place. “I promise this will be over soon,” he said simply. Then it was him kissing her. She returned his kiss this time. She wasn’t going to let him get less of an experience than Lucky after all. And she’d prove to the Madame that she could care for these two.
All too soon, though, the kiss broke and he smiled at her. “That...was some high-quality loyalty,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve had better.”
“Glad to… hear it?” Daring stumbled and swooned. “Whoo, dizzy…”
“Take a moment,” Devoted said as he caught her and held her still. “Most ponies don’t feed ‘lings as quickly as you do because they start to pass out due to lack of energy. Feeding the both of us back to back isn’t good for you.”
“W-Well, she asked…” Yearling said weakly. Her head was spinning and she felt really tired. “Just… don’t ask for this to be a regular occurrence.”
“Of course not,” Devoted said.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Lucky followed it up with.
“You have laid your claim, and proven your loyalty and ability to feed both of them,” The Madame said. “At this point, there is only one thing left to do. Devoted Cause!” At that, the blue stallion stiffened. “I hereby release you from your contract, and give you a better one to follow. This mare. Be loyal to her, Devoted.”
“With every beat of my heart,” the stallion said before kissing her again. Daring blinked at the kiss. Wait, what? That was it?
She now had two loyal coltfriends…
Critical was going to have a field day with this.
Twilight walked back upstairs as she and Turner finished discussing the possible issues with the gate. While they hadn’t found any solutions yet, they’d thought it best that the gate shouldn’t be used anymore. Just in case.
She bid the stallion farewell and entered the throne room to see Ledger still hunched over the desk.
“Are… you still writing?” she asked.
“Yes, because I want to get it right,” Ledger said. “Far too many of my letters started out snarky. Or just plain rude or demeaning. Though after the afternoon of those ponies and having to put up with Sugar being herself, I think I’m entitled to it.”
“Sugar isn’t that bad,” Twilight replied. “You’re just not a ponies’ pony. Just… tell the Princess what you learned today.”
“I’m working on it,” Ledger said. “It’s kind of hard to put it all down into words...but I think I’m getting there.” With a bit of a flourish, the quill wrote out the last few sentences and signed his name, before the letter was presented to Twilight, for her approval.
Princess Celestia,
Level Ledger here, or as you might know me, Duke Secret-Hoarder. Today, I ran Twilight’s open court, and I learned a lot of things.
I learned that ponies can be incredibly stubborn until somepony in a position of authority helps them see the right way. I learned that ponies can be incredibly kind and forgiving to their friends.
Most of all, I learned that I don’t envy Twilight’s job. Or yours, or Luna’s, or Cadance’s. If there is any way to ensure that I never have to do this again, I’m all for it. When they say ‘heavy is the head that wears the crown,’ they damn well mean it. And I thought running my company was hard!
No, I think this little stint has burned out any thoughts of taking over anywhere from my being. Amusing as it may have been to contemplate, now that I have a little experience in it, I can safely say I don’t want it. You can keep Equestria and all the high-maintenance ponies. I’m happy with what I have, thank you.
Sincerely,
Level Ledger
Twilight just blinked as she read the letter. “So…” she said, her tone flat and even. “I’m ‘high maintenance’ huh?”
“I’ve heard horror stories from Spike,” Ledger replied with.
“You’re terrible,” she muttered as she rolled up the scroll and bound it with a gold ribbon. “Spiiiiike?”
“Mm?” the dragon walked in and rubbed his eyes. He’d been napping all day and it’d been great. “Yeah?”
“Could you send this to the Princess please?” Twilight asked, floating over the scroll.
“Huh? It’s been a while since you send her a Friendship Report,” the drake nodded and inhaled before incinerating the note, the wispy smoke filtering out of a window.
“Out of curiosity, how long does it typically take for her to reply?” Ledger asked.
Spike put a claw to his mouth and belched, a gout of flame erupted and a scroll winked into existence above Ledger’s head, before landing on the table in front of him.
Ledger pulled the thing open and began to read…
‘Dearest Level Ledger
I was quite surprised to get a Friendship letter from you of all ponies. It seems Twilight has indeed been a positive influence on you.’
Twilight giggled and blushed.
‘And while my little ponies can get worked up on small things, try and go a little easier on them hmm?
And yes, running a country can be quite difficult. But so few understand that. I’m glad to see you do.
With Love.
Princess Sol Celestia.’
“Something tells me this isn’t the end of this,” Ledger sighed.
“Probably not,” Twilight smiled and leaned over to nuzzle him. “Maybe I should get you to do this more often?”
“What, the court thing?” Ledger asked, before shaking his head. “No, once was enough, thank you.”
“Aww, but I quite enjoyed my day off,” Twilight pouted. “You didn’t enjoy being King for a day?”
“It was good to begin with, but apparently everypony decided to visit when you weren’t here,” Ledger replied. “If you take another day off and put me in charge and it happens again, I’ll call it a trend.”
“Aw, maybe they just like you,” Twilight said and leaned in close to kiss him… before two earth pony mares burst into the room. One was a watermelon red with a blonde mane and the other was violet with a green mane.
“Princess Twilight!” they cried out. “It’s terrible. It’s a disaster. The horror, the horrorrrrrr!!”
Ledger raised an eyebrow, before turning to Twilight.
“What is it this time ladies?” Twilight said in a tone drier than the badlands. “Another bunny stampede?”
“Worse!” Liliy cried.
“It was so shocking!” Daisy added.
“This is starting to sound slightly ridiculous,” the drone muttered.
“We saw a mare surrounded by three ponies, and then two of them kissed her and she looked really weak afterwards!” Daisy said. “What if… what if the changeling’s are invading again!?”
“Girls, for one, the changelings are our friends now,” Twilight sighed and rubbed her temple. “So I highly doubt it’s an invasion.”
‘Unless it’s Ledger’s mother.’
“And two, were the stallions that kissed her cute?”
Daisy and Lily blushed.
“I’ll take that as a yes, she was probably just swooning from the attention. But! I promise I’ll look into it okay?”
“Thank you Princess Twilight,” Daisy and Lily smiled, already back to their normal selves and trotted from the castle. Twilight sighed and pulled something out from her throne. A bottle of cider. She popped the cap and took a deep swig before sighing.
“Is that a regular thing?” Ledger asked his marefriend.
“Those three would have come in here in a tizzy because of a broken flowerstem,” Twilight groaned. “And no, I’m not exaggerating. They really did do that…”
“That explains the cider bottle,” Ledger hummed. “Still, I think I’m more than happy to give you your court back.”
“No refunds,” Twilight said as she closed the door, along with Court. “Eh, we’re done for the day anyway. Just gotta wait for the others to return now.”
“And hopefully, the other ‘lings in town won’t be so blatant about their feeding,” the disguised drone said. “Otherwise there might be a panic on our hooves tomorrow, before my big reveal.”
“And that would be a headache and a half,” Twilight said and looked over her coltfriend. “Hmm, hey Ledger? Who’s chair do you think you’re sitting in right now?”
“You told me to take court,” he replied with. “None of the others felt right.”
“Well, I want you to keep that in mind. Now close your eyes please.”
Ledger did so, wondering what she could possibly have in mind...