Nascent Harmony

by divinearcadia

Flickering Light

Flickering Light

“It is with open hearts and arms that we gather here today,” Twilight began as was traditional of the hosts, swallowing her nervousness with a slight shudder. “To reaffirm the bonds forged and passed on for the benefit of our nation by our ancestors. We three tribes, so different in magic and traditions, yet so similar when one looks to the past that binds us all together. We all come here to show and share the best that we are, so that we all become stronger as a whole. I for one, am exceptionally excited and thrilled to be the representative of my tribe; the Magi.

“It is said that we Magi were born of a golden fire given thought and bestowed with the barest of physical forms, so that we might cast the revealing light of our minds as far as possible,” she continued in a stronger tone as her scholarly side began taking over, “that we may light the path for all to follow. We were not given the strength of the land itself like the Earthlanders, born from a seed that broke a mountain and able to shoulder all but the heaviest of burdens. Nor were we given the stewardship of the seasons and storms that the Avens, the children of the Four Great Winds, were graced with. Instead, we were gifted with the ability to bring thought and will into being. We Magi are a noble tribe, often viewing intelligence as the ultimate currency, readily trading fortunes for a sliver of information that may teach us something new. That being said, if left to our own devices we would likely consume ourselves body and mind, by our very nature, and must be tempered if we are to make anything of lasting value. That is why we three Tribes identify as one, for without the others, we would not be here on this wondrous day devoted to reaffirming these bonds.”

As she wound down, Twilight saw a few distinctly ponderous expressions in the crowd, mostly on those who were of the more philosophical mindset, while the obvious noble heads of Magi houses wore expressions of varying levels of barely concealed disgust at the very notion, though one or two wore smiles at her paraphrasing of the old tale. Despite the varying levels of distaste, they all gave her a round of genteel applause. Twilight turned and smiled at her fellow representatives before giving them a wave of her hand to let them decide who was to go next. They looked to one another, Maud giving no expression aside from the barest raising of an eyebrow, while Star Catcher gave a wry little smirk and gave her a wave to go ahead. Maud gave a tiny nod of thanks and looked up to the gathered crowd as she took in a deep breath and let it out.

“As Twilight Sparkle said, today is a wondrous day indeed,” she began in her trademark monotone, projecting her voice so that it carried all the way to the highest tier of seats without changing her flat tone in the slightest. “Today is the day where we three Tribes get a chance to drop all pretenses and look to the others with open eyes to see what it is that we lack personally and how we help each other in ways we cannot accurately describe. I may not know as much about history as Representative Twilight does, but even I can see how deeply we three depend upon one another simply through the goods and services that we provide to our neighbors. To say that I am simply grateful for our fellow Tribes would be an understatement of the greatest magnitude.”

As with Twilight, Maud was greeted with an audience that had minimal change to its demeanor, though they still gave her a round of applause. Star Catcher turned and looked out at those who had gathered and gave a brief, distasteful scowl before quickly returning to a neutral expression as she spoke.

“The Congregation,” she began in a sharp, cutting voice that drew the attention of every person in the hall. “Every year we all come together to talk politics, change trade agreements, forge new ones, exchange information for mutually beneficial partnerships and showcase our newest advances in our respective cultures. That's all well and good, but many of us don't remember the true reason behind the biggest festival of the year. To come together to renew, remember and strengthen the bonds we've forged and maintained since the Calamity. Years ago, I was young and brash, recently denied advancement in the ranks once again. So, I came to the Congregation's Festival, held here in Canterlot at the time, and met a Magi who was so lost in a book that he nearly fell off a skyway to his death.

“Such a thing didn't happen because I saved his life. In return, he gave me a riddle before wandering off to go find the book that he had dropped in his fall. At the time, I was annoyed and perplexed at his causal brushing away of his near death experience. However, as I went back to the Festival to forget my woes, his riddle kept coming back to mind and left me alone in the crowds. I almost gave up on his riddle, but by the end of the night, I had somehow figured out the answer and my woes were instantly turned to joy. It was because of a simple riddle, given by a Magi who almost plummeted to his death, that I was able to climb up the ranks in a month's time. He opened my eyes and showed me that where I fell short, someone from a different tribe could show me the way. From there, I looked to the Earthlanders and found parts of myself that I never would have imagined possessing. I was humbled and awed by the transformation that was taking place in myself. I was becoming more truly myself and I sought the company of the other two tribes as much as my own, because I learned that without the other two, I was doing a true disservice to not only the other tribes, but to myself most of all.

“That being said, open your eyes and see what we can do for one another. Give freely to those who need it, even if they are not of your tribe, and you will see an influx of good fortune that will leave you speechless. You will find yourself stronger than ever and never lack for someone to show you the way to the answer you cannot find on your own.”

This time, there was a distinctive change in the demeanor of the crowd when Star Catcher finished her bit. While there were still a fair number of individuals who disregarded her words, she had reached a good portion of them and it showed in their generally pleased or relatively neutral expressions, but especially in the applause that she garnered, easily double what either Twilight or Maud had earned. She turned back to the others and gave them a smile that had Twilight grinning as she put two and two together while Maud wore something that looked close to a shadow of a smile.

“I know there's more to it than that and I plan on getting the whole story from you later,” Twilight said through her grin.

“You'll get it, but not until another night,” Star Catcher replied with a snort and a smirk as she teasingly wagged her finger.

“In that case,” Maud interjected with perfect timing, “Why don't we move on to the first items on the agenda?”

“May as well,” Star replied as she got into her political mindset, ready to address and potentially modify any standing treaties or trade agreements on behalf of her Tribe.

“Oh, this is just so exciting!” Twilight said with barely muted enthusiasm that had the other two looking at her oddly before sharing a look with one another before choking back the amusement that threatened to break through their masks.

***

“Hoo~” Applejack sighed with a half moan as she stretched her sore back in the late afternoon sunlight. She had been holed up indoors for the past five hours as she tried to work out a deal with the regional agricultural leaders in Equestria. She barely had enough time to straighten up and open her eyes before a pink blur came rushing by, grabbed her hand, and almost lifted her completely off the ground. Applejack somehow managed to keep her feet under her and made good use of her exceptionally long legs to keep up with the shorter girl. “P-Pinkie?! Slow down, girl!”

“Notimetogoslow,gottagofastfastfast!” she yelled back without turning around. Applejack couldn't help but laugh at her hyper friend as she was led through gaps in the crowds that seemed to impossibly open up just in time for Pinkie to rush through them. Applejack was led through the streets without any idea as to where she was being led to, eventually finding herself led through a wide pair of glass double doors and into a lavishly decorated tailor's business.

“Pinkie, what're we doin' here?”

“Getting you a new set of Festival clothes,” she replied quickly without looking over at Applejack so she wouldn't see her flushed face. “Why else would we go to a tailor's, silly?”

When Applejack took in her friend's dress clothes and her own, she noticed that what she was currently wearing would be more than fine enough back in her hometown, but was distinctly lower in quality compared to what Pinkie was wearing. “Ah can't just go an' get a whole new set of clothes on a whim, Pinkie... Besides, Ah doubt Ah'd have enough bits ta even get back home if Ah just got a tunic from this place...”

“It's a gift from Maud, so you don't have to worry about a single thing,” Pinkie replied, finally looking over at Applejack with a small smile. “In fact, everything we're doing tonight is because of her setting it all up.”

“Ah don't know about all this,” Applejack mused, chewing the inside of her cheek. “Plus you said there's more coming, too... It seems mighty expensive, even if it's just a gift...”

“Come on, Applejack,” Pinkie wheedled with hands clasped under her chin, an absurdly adorable pout and a cute little wiggle of her hips. “If not for her, then for me? All this is kinda my fault anyway...”

“What'd you do?” Applejack asked, but her answer was denied as a lithe Magi walked up to the two of them with a wide smile that got even wider when she saw that it was Pinkie who had finally arrived.

“My, my, Pinkie!” she said with a tinkling laugh as she took in the scene before her. “I take it that this is the one and only Miss Applejack I've heard so much about?”

Applejack turned to face her fully and had to look down a good bit to meet her eyes. “That Ah am, and you can do away with the 'Miss.' Ah'm not one to stand on formalities.”

“Of course,” she replied with a gracious nod.

“So, what's all this about you hearing things about me?” Applejack asked with a sly glance over at Pinkie. “Nothing bad, Ah hope.”

“Why, whenever she comes in for an order, she practically sings your praises to the rafters, especially after she gets a letter from you,” she said with a genuine smile that turned slightly crafty as she saw a red faced Pinkie fighting with the voices in her head so she didn't just go over there and bop her over the top of her head. “If anything, I'd say that she has a cr-”

“Okay-hay-hay~!” Pinkie yelled as she dashed behind her, covering her mouth and spinning them around before letting her go, leaving her to spin a couple time on her own before coming to a stop a few steps away with a hand to her temple. “We don't really have much time to gossip, as I'm sure you know... Our dinner reservations are in a half hour and we just have time for some final adjustments before we have to go.”

“Of course,” she said as the room stopped spinning and she could make out the telltale tick in the corner of her eye that said she was just barely holding herself back. “Come along, Applejack. Time is of the essence.”

Applejack gave a slightly unsure nod and walked after her when she moved off deeper into her shop. Left to herself, Pinkie couldn't help but let out a shrill little squeal of protest. Maud was going to make it so that her feelings were going to be revealed whether she was ready or not! The game was rigged and she never even bothered to find out all the rules! To make sure no more slips happened, Pinkie darted off into the depths of the shop to ensure no more 'gossiping' was going to happen. Accidentally or otherwise.

When Applejack and Pinkie finally left the clothing shop, Applejack was wearing a set of high quality brown leather boots that had been tooled and dyed in delicate lines that gave the impression of morning glory growing along the edges. She wore a set of deep brown leggings that had a panel of verdant, emerald green along the outside and inside of her legs, both colors being lavishly embroidered along the attaching thread work. Her tunic was an eye catching shade of blue with dusky gray panels along the sides. The clothes were softer than anything Applejack had ever worn in her life and fit her almost like a second skin, giving her enough freedom of movement and looseness to give her a feeling of appropriate modesty. Her other clothes had been kept at the shop to be sent to her temporary residence tomorrow morning free of charge.

They quickly walked through the crowds, Pinkie holding Applejack's hand so she wouldn't get lost. Applejack let herself smile at the change of roles as a memory from when they were younger surfaced, specifically when Applejack would lead Pinkie through the woods near her long-time home. Pinkie, on the other hand, was glad she was leading, as she would have been mortified if Applejack asked about the blush she wore and the slight sheen of sweat on her brow as she felt the much larger hands of her long time romantic interest firmly, yet gently, squeeze her whenever it seemed like she would slip from her grasp. To say that Pinkie was both happy and severely disappointed when they arrived at the restaurant where they'd be eating would have been an understatement.

Pinkie led them in, finally letting go of Applejack's hand when she had to open the door for her, and let Applejack in first. The inside of the anteroom was both dark and bright, the floor carpeted in a black velvet that shimmered whenever they changed perspectives, the dark brown of the mahogany paneling lending a warm, homey glow to the atmosphere while the brass lanterns set around the room lightened everything from an intimate setting to one of happy comfort. They quickly strode up to the podium where a Magi Maitre'D stood at stiff attention and studied them over his half-moon glasses. “Good evening and welcome, ladies,” he said in an accent as stiff as his stance. “Might I have your name so I might find your reservations?”

“Dinner reservations for two under Pinkamena Diane Pie,” Pinkie answered with a smile.

It took him a only a moment to find the entry in his ledger. “Follow me,” he said as he magically flitted a pair of menus to his hand and led them into the main dining room. They looked over the crowded room, largely populated by Magi couples, though there were several who were mixed couples involving any combination of the Tribes. There was a faint trace of music in the air that cut through the low purr created by the many people eating that only enhanced the atmosphere. “I'll leave you two to mull over your drink orders and return shortly,” he said before laying their menus down and walking off.

“Just how much is Maud spending on all this?” Applejack hissed as she leaned forward across the table. “This ain't some twenty bit dinner at a nice hole-in-the-wall.”

“I don't know,” Pinkie replied in a similar whisper with a wave of her hands. “She told me not to worry about it and to just get what sounded good. Do you have any idea what it's like trying to get her to budge when she doesn't want to?”

“Ah'm starting to get an idea,” Applejack replied as she sat back in her seat. She glanced out the window and felt a chill wash over her, making her shiver slightly despite the heat in the room. Then, there was a noise that wasn't a noise. It was a cracking noise that sounded as if something that had been under an unknowable amount of strain and pressure started to finally give way yet barely held, yet so quiet that it seemed to happen from right beside her ear. The silence in the room after that sound was only broken by the music that continued to play. Everyone looked around, as if trying to see if there was something amiss, but no one could find anything wrong and it was getting to some of them. Phantom sounds didn't just happen to everyone in a building without cause.

Applejack started to brush the whole thing off as a prank caused by some young Magi child, but as she and Pinkie's eyes met across the table, they both noticed a flicker of something white. As they both quickly turned to look to see what it was, it disappeared. Then they saw it as their eyes adjusted. It was snowing from a cloudless sky. “We need to get up to the Palace right away,” Pinkie said in a no-nonsense voice as she stood up and began walking. “Garcon!” she called out to the Maitre'D as she began to quickly cross the room.

“Yes, Miss Pie?” he asked as he hurried up to her, deferring immediately to her projected sense of authority. “How may I be of assistance?”

“Send a message to the Estate of Maud Pie, tell them that a dragon is stirring and to follow deviation five-a,” she replied in a dull whisper. “Authentication phrase: Dark Horse.”

“O-of course, ma'am,” he stuttered as he bowed away. “R-right away.”

Applejack finally hurried up to Pinkie after her sudden departure and made it to her side. “What the hay was that all about?”

“Precaution,” she said simply. “Now, enough chit-chat. We need to get going. Now.” They strode through the front doors with a thunderous boom as Pinkie pushed through them with enough force that they bounced back closed just as they walked out of the way. “Now, put those legs of yours to use and follow me, Jackie.” Matching her words to action, Pinkie took off at a surprising sprint that had the farmer soon running full tilt just to keep her within sight. They ducked, wove and slid through the crowds who were standing around in a slight stupor at the event going on around them. Soon, their senses slowly returned and while some showed fear, others only thought it was an unannounced part of the Festival and laughed it off as a great spectacle, this snow in the middle of summer.

The two finally met up again at the front gates to Canterlot Castle, Applejack huffing for breath while Pinkie only had a faint sheen of sweat. She strode up to a rather imposing Magi guard with shoulder-length two-tone blue hair who wore a mix of plate and scale armor with pauldrons resembling three flower petals laid side by side. He carried a longsword slung over one shoulder and a heavy air of authority.

“A dragon stirs in its sleep,” she said without preamble.

“Then a pall of ash shall befall us all,” he replied.

“Unless we quench its fires forevermore,” she finished with a nod. “You're missing your helmet, Shining Armor. You need to set a better example as a Paladin-Commander of the Guard.”

“It's just inside the guardhouse,” he replied. “But seriously, you think there's something that dire coming our way?”

“Of course,” she replied. “If it's not a Magi making this snow without a cloud in the sky, then what is?”

“How would you be able to tell anyway?” he asked with a snort. “No offense, Pinkie, but that insane 'sense' of yours can't tell you this.”

“Of course not,” she replied with a puff of air. “That's why I have a thaumaturgically reactive crystal designed to shine whenever magic is being used within ten feet of me,” she explained, showing him the ring on her index finger. “Test it out, but make it quick. I need to get Maud briefed and settled in here where the security's tightest before returning to the Estate to organize my own forces to work with yours.”

“Okay, okay,” he replied as he summoned forth a magnifying spell to get a better look at her little tool. It was a simple ring of pewter and set with several tan topazes arrayed around a garnet set in the middle. As soon as the lens coalesced into existence, the garnet glowed with a fiery light while the topaz that pointed to him glowed as well, indicating the actual direction of the magics source. “That's pretty nifty,” he said. He let his spell dissipate and noticed that the ring faded back to darkness. “Then what's causing this snow?”

“I don't know and I don't care,” Pinkie replied as she started walking forward and around him toward the gate leading into the Castle grounds. “We'll figure that out soon enough, but right now, we need to get all the V.I.P.'s secured.”

“Okay,” he replied as he teleported his helmet a foot in front of him and caught it as it began falling, settling it on his head, and turned to quickly follow the determined woman and her companion past the others. The azure gem on his brow began leaking wisps of ethereal mist that wafted about without any rhyme or reason despite a gentle wind blowing. “Attention all Castle personnel,” he said with a magically-amplified rumble, “there is an unknown event happening at this very moment. All guards are to be on high alert, all staff are to report to the designated areas after politely escorting all nobility to suitable apartments within the west wing of the Castle. No one is to leave their rooms without an armed escort, none are permitted to leave Castle grounds under threat of detainment. Orders effective immediately.” With a faint sizzling noise, his gem darkened again and he gave Pinkie a nod.

Comments

[Talguy21]

I don't need a Pinkie Sense to tell things are about to get very interesting.

[FanOfMostEverything]

Just when I found the Applepie shipping getting dull, reality itself seemed to crack. Good timing there. I wonder what's happening, and how it will affect the Congregation.

[RanmaChaos]

Another enjoyable chapter. Good work.

[Sandy Sam]

Haha! Maud's plan was ruined by the fact that there is an unknown threat, possibly a dragon.

[Ariel Schnee]

Flash is in this too?!

Hmmm...

Where is Sunset Shimmer then?

[MythrilMoth]

5917544 She's in the editor's bed, being screwed by the editor.