Well, my piano lesson could have been a lot worse. Lyra had told me I was making progress, but I still saw no difference in my playing. When I eventually took my leave, Rainbow decided to accompany me, saying she had to get going as well. We walked together in silence for a time, then, at the same instant, we both said,
“Can I ask you something?”
Followed by,
“You first.”
Then,
“No, you.”
Until finally, with a gracious gesture, I allowed Rainbow to speak first.
“Do you mind if I head up to Canterlot with you when you go? I’ve got some shopping I’ve gotta do there.”
“You sure it’s not just to browse around the Wonderbolt store again?” I asked, wryly.
Rainbow rolled her eyes.
“I had to promise myself I wouldn’t,” she said. “Me plus Wonderbolt merchandise on Hearth’s Warming equals splurge of the century. As awesome as that would be, I’ve got some gift ideas that I’ve gotta budget properly. I can’t go nuts.”
“Wow. That’s really loyal of you, Rainbow,” I said, earning a grin from the pegasus. “I know just how you feel.”
“Yeah?”
“I’ve still got quite a few gifts to get, but I can only get some in Canterlot. That’s kinda why I took the job at Bon Bon’s. I love helping her and Lyra, but I can’t use my stipend to splurge on gifts.”
“I getcha. So, can I go with you?”
“Of course! If anypony else wants to come, they’re welcome. Maybe I’ll ask Twilight. I have to see her about something anyway.”
“All righty!” said Rainbow. “Now, what were you gonna ask me?”
“Oh! Right! Do you think there’s a way I might be able to get my hands on some liquid rainbow?”
“Liquid rainbow?” Rainbow asked, puzzled. “Why do you want that?”
“I personally don’t, but I heard Bon Bon say she wants to use some with her baking. I thought it’d make the perfect gift for her.”
“Mm…” Rainbow murmured in thought. “Yeah, I think I can set you up with some. Being chief weather-mare of Ponyville’s got its perks, after all. Thing is, raw liquid rainbow is some powerful stuff, but if Bon Bon can work it into candy, I’ll be super impressed!”
“Thanks, Rainbow. I’ll let you know when Bon Bon says I can have my time off.”
“All right. See ya, bud!”
And with that supersonic roar that usually accompanied her flying, Rainbow took off. As for me, I still had some ponies I needed to see and speak to before it was too late.
First off was Berry Punch, so I headed for her juice shop. When I arrived, it was to find several ponies leaving with her new holiday drink stuffed into their saddlebags or held with their unicorn magic, whatever the case may be. The Earth pony was delighted to see me, and even more delighted to accept an order for a bottle of her Jura wine, to be sent to Octavia.
“And since it’s a gift from you,” she said, “I’ll send it free of charge.”
“Really? Berry, you don’t have to-”
“I know, but I want to,” she said, with a sincere smile.
Who could say no to that?
“Well, thanks, Berry. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, and I’ll bet Octavia will really appreciate the Jura. It can be stressful when you’re playing in front of thousands of ponies.”
With that, I bid adieu to the friendly brewer and directed my steps to the library. A festive wreath was already hung on the front door, and I could hear the tinkle of ornaments through the door before I knocked. After a few moments of waiting, Spike opened up, wearing a pair of fake reindeer antlers on his head.
“Hi, Dave!” he greeted.
“Hiya, Spike. Nice antlers.”
“Heheh, thanks. Twilight and I are just decorating the library. Did you wanna come in?”
“Yeah, I had something to ask Twilight about. Thanks.”
The little dragon showed me inside, and I looked about at the interior, which was festooned with garlands, holly, tinsel, and ribbons. Twilight, wearing a Santa Claus-esque hat, was just levitating a golden star out of a box beside a decorated evergreen tree in the center.
(A tree within a tree? Tree-ception?)
Twilight looked up as we entered, setting the star down gently.
“Hello, Dave!” she said.
“Hi, Twi. I hope this isn’t a bad time.”
“Not at all. All that’s left for now is the star on top.”
“Ooh! Let me do it, Twilight!” pleaded Spike, raising his claw eagerly like a little boy wanting to ask his teacher a question.
“Please?”
“Of course, Spike,” said Twilight, giggling at his antics. “I saved it just for you. Come here.”
Beaming, Spike rushed over to Twilight and picked up the star. The unicorn then screwed her face up in concentration, and Spike became enveloped in her magic aura. Slowly and steadily, he was lifted off the ground until he was level with the treetop, and he proudly stuck the star onto it. Twilight brought him back to the floor.
“Good job, Spike!” she said, giving him a playful noogie, then added, turning to me, “So what did you need, Dave?”
“I’m going to take a couple days off this week to do some shopping in Canterlot, once Bon Bon decides when. Rainbow Dash is coming with me, so I wondered if you’d like to come as well.”
“Ohh, bringing back the old crew from your first visit?” she asked, teasingly. “Sure, I should be able to find time to come up there with you. Just let me know when and I’ll be ready.”
“Great! Also...”
I hesitated. Should I ask her? Was there even any hope of a positive answer?
“Is something wrong?” Twilight asked.
“Well, uh...there was something else I wanted to ask about,” I said, fidgeting my hands together.
“Yes?”
“As you may have remembered, during our Q&A, I said that my world celebrates a holiday just like Hearth’s Warming, called Christmas. It’s a time of giving, family, and togetherness. What I’m trying to get at is...has there been any change in your look into-”
“No,” Twilight cut me off, sadly. “I’m sorry, Dave, but nothing’s come up. The cosmos are as uncooperative as ever.”
“Oh,” I said, feeling my spirits drop.
It was a long shot anyways. She’d have said something if anything had changed. I felt her put a hoof on my hand.
“I can’t begin to imagine how you must feel, spending the holidays away from your family.”
With a sigh, I said,
“As long as they know where I am and that I’m safe and sound, that’ll have to do. That’s what sending the letter back was all about. You’ve done more than enough for me by even allowing me to do that, Twilight.”
It was more or less true, but inside, my guts were burning at the thought that I’d be missing Christmas with my family. As much as these ponies helped me adapt and adjust, I couldn’t just forget my true roots willy-nilly. Still, I had to put on a brave face for this situation, and be an adult about it. I didn’t think it heartless, but mature.
Twilight smiled kindly, but the smile faded as she looked closer into my face.
“Are you feeling all right, Dave?”
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“You just look...so tired,” she said, rearing up and putting a gentle hoof to my cheek. “There’s bags under your eyes. Have you been sleeping well?”
“Are there? I hadn’t noticed. I guess I’ve just been stressing myself out over Hearth’s Warming coming up, trying to find gifts for everypony, and I do mean everypony.”
“Oh, Dave, you’re just too sweet,” said Twilight, getting back on all fours. “You don’t have to run yourself ragged over something like that.”
“Well, that’s what this trip to Canterlot fixes. I’ll have practically everything off of my list, if I can find it all.”
“All right, then. Let me know when your days off will be, and I’ll be ready.”
“Ok. See you later, Twi. Goodbye, Spike.”
“Bye!” called Spike.
He was up on a ladder, adjusting a bit of garland that had come loose from its anchor point on the wall.
“Spike, I can do that,” said Twilight, looking up at him. “I don’t want you hurting yourself.”
“I’m fine, Twi-whoops!”
In one swift motion, Spike lost his balance and tumbled to the floor. Luckily, he was intercepted by a box still full of holiday hangings, sending a cloud of pine needles flying from his impact. Twilight rushed over to check on him, and the dragon emerged, spitting out pine needles like one spits out water from taking a dive. He sheepishly chuckled at his pony guardian, while she gave me a wearied smile that said ‘He’s fine’. With that assurance, I took my leave.
***
Since I was still in the midst of Ponyville, I decided to spy out one of these antique shops I heard Bon Bon and Lyra talking about. If their argument held true, I might be able to find something seapony-related for my nutty but sweet unicorn friend.
It took a bit of time, but I finally located a shop that looked like it had been around longer than its neighbors. Its exterior was of faded brown wood, but still intact shape-wise, and the sign above it read ‘Bric-a-Brac’s Knickknacks’. I was almost irresistibly reminded of Mr. Charrington’s shop from ‘1984’, but I doubted this place would have a secret hidden room upstairs with a telescreen behind a steel engraving, or that this ‘Bric-a-Brac’ would be an agent of the Thought Police in disguise. At least, I hoped not.
The air inside smelled musty and kind of like mothballs, the sort of smell you’d expect when looking around an attic full of forgotten junk. The shelves were lined with old books, statues, figures, and clothing, while suits of armor, paintings, and racks of weapons lined the wall. I didn’t like the way some of the paintings were leering at me, even if they were just canvas and paint. My inner cartoon junkie couldn’t help but imagine the eyes of those portraits moving, like in the old Scooby Doo cartoons.
“Welcome! Is there anything I can assist you with?”
I gave a jump. The voice was soft-spoken, but came out of nowhere. Looking about, I saw the owner of the voice: a wizened unicorn stallion with a mustache and eyebrows so bushy, they masked his mouth and eyes. It was a wonder he could even see me.
“Are you Mr. Bric-a-Brac?” I asked.
“That’s what it says on my birth certificate,” said the stallion, chuckling wheezily. “Now, what brings you around here? I hope you’ll excuse me, but we currently don’t have any items from human civilizations. Very hard to come by.”
“Er, that’s all right,” I said. “I’m looking for something for a friend. She’s very interested in seapony culture.”
“Ahh, the seaponies!” said Bric-a-Brac, fondly. “A fine culture, indeed. It’s a shame that all we have left to remember their legacy by is a few scattered mementos, but I luckily possess some of them. Now, let me see…”
He ambled about the shelves, muttering absent-mindedly to himself. I was still amazed how he was able to spy anything from under those eyebrows of his, but perhaps he was so used to it that he had learned to compensate.
“No...no...oh, I’d forgotten about that...Now, how did that get here...Aha! Here we are!”
He pulled down a smooth, ruby-red box from atop a shelf and brought it over. The box itself was adorned with what looked like a giant seashell on the lid. There was even a vague, salty sea smell about it. It glistened in the sunlight as he held it up.
“This was once owned,” said Bric-a-Brac, “by a seapony princess. The box itself is marvellous, but the real treasure lies within.”
With that, he slowly opened the lid, and I couldn’t help letting out a soft gasp at what I saw inside. Normally, I wouldn’t have for what it was, but the way it looked was another matter. It looked like an ordinary hair comb, but it was made of a silvery substance that glimmered in the glow of the sunlight upon it. The handle was studded with tiny sea-green gemstones.
“Wow…” I breathed.
“Made of real pearl,” said Bric-a-Brac, proudly.
“She’d love it,” I said, “but it must cost a fortune, even without the box.”
“Normally it would,” said Bric-a-Brac, closing the lid, “but business has been rather slow. Nopony seems to take much stock in the olden days anymore.”
“What, are you kidding?” I asked. “I love old stuff, and I know my friend will like this. Name your price, sir.”
Bric-a-Brac’s mustache crinkled into what was unmistakably a smile.
“For your lady friend, son, I’m willing to part with it for 15 bits.”
“Consider it a deal,” I said.
I was heading for the checkout counter, when something else caught my eye. It was a small wooden mask, though it must have been quite old. It was painted very fine and intricately, though the colors had faded a little over time. The eyes looked like they were closed in contentment, and there was a small smile on the lips.
“Excuse me, sir,” I said, “but what’s that mask there?”
“Mm?” murmured Bric-a-Brac, looking round. “Ah, that! That is an authentic Zebrafican mask. It stands for ‘friendship’ or ‘companionship’.”
(A Zebrafican mask that represented friendship or companionship? If that doesn’t spell ‘gift for Zecora’, I don’t know what does!)
“How much for it?” I asked.
“Very eager, aren’t you? chuckled Bric-a-Brac. “I’ll let that one go for...8 bits.”
“Deal!” I said, as he gingerly picked up the mask as well.
We went to the checkout counter, where I fished out 23 bits from my coat pocket and handed them to Bric-a-Brac. He counted them out, nodded in satisfaction, and packaged up the mask and comb box for me.
“Thank you very much,” I said, accepting the packages.
“No, my dear boy, thank you,” said Bric-a-Brac. “It does this old heart good to see youth still interested in the days gone by. Come again.”
I took my leave of the old stallion, carefully carrying the wrapped packages as if they were made of china. I just knew Lyra would love the comb, but I wondered if she would even use it. She didn’t look like the kind of mare who brushed her mane, but then, why would she use such a priceless antique? Antiques were usually meant to be admired, so this would still suit her nicely. As for Zecora, I didn’t know if she already had a mask like this one, but, since she would know what it means, I hoped she would appreciate the gesture.
***
With that business out of the way, my next destination lay in the Hooves household. I could only hope Sparkler wouldn’t feel too overwhelmed being asked to perform a duty that would serve the country and potentially bring about peace between two nations. The sarcastic part of my brain chimed in at this:
(Nah, of course she won’t feel overwhelmed. It’s like asking to borrow a cup of sugar. ‘Hello, Sparkler. Would you mind lending your knowledge of gems to patch up a dispute between ponies and dragons? Just thought I’d ask, if you’re not too busy.’)
As I approached the Hooves home, I could see that the snow fort was beginning to melt away. I was actually kind of surprised it had managed to stay up that long. Scootaloo and Dinky had been very diligent at maintaining its structure. The kids were nowhere to be seen, however; they were probably inside, warming themselves.
I knocked at the door, and was met by an explosive duo of sneezes from the inside. The door cracked open, revealing Sparkler. Lucky me!
“Oh, hello, Dave,” she said, opening it wider. “Sorry for that. Our home is currently quarantined for a double case of colds.”
“Scootaloo and Dinky?” I asked.
“Yep. Thank Celestia their vacation’s started, and that Mom hasn’t caught it too, otherwise I don’t know what we’d do.”
“This might be a bad time to bring this up, then,” I said, warily.
“Bring what up?” asked Sparkler, stepping outside and shutting the door.
“Well, I don’t know if you’ve heard anything about it, but Princess Celestia has been trying to negotiate a peace treaty with the dragons, with promises of shared gems.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, but we’ve been having trouble finding enough to satisfy them. Now, I had proposed the idea to my superior, Minister Ironmane, to start up restaurants for dragons to enjoy gem-based cuisine, and he thinks it could work.”
“Ooh,” said Sparkler, sounding interested. “Very clever!”
“Heh, thanks. The only thing is, we still need somepony who has enough knowhow about gemstones as to find the most abundant stockpiles, as well as the most delectable by dragon standards, to use. Out of all the ponies I can think of, you, Sparkler Hooves, are just such a pony.”
I waited for her reaction. She just stared at me, blinking in surprise.
“Me?” she finally asked. “Find gems for dragons? For the sake of Equestria? Goodness, Dave, that’s not something I can say yes or no to lightly…”
“I understand that,” I said, “but you’re the best pony for this situation. You’ve got a lot of knowhow about what makes a good gemstone. Remember that lexicon of jewelry lingo you were throwing our way when the Crusaders and I came to help out at your store? Plus, you must have as good a head on your shoulders to be able to find all of those jewels to be brought in for cleaning and reshaping.”
Sparkler’s already pink cheeks turned a deeper shade at this praise.
“But what about Rarity?” she asked. “Wouldn’t she be just as good an option? She’s always hunting for gems to use in her outfits.”
“That’s true,” I assented, “but her use for them’s purely cosmetic. Besides, meaning no offense to her, but Rarity wouldn’t be the best choice for two reasons. First, she’s got enough on her plate making outfits to be fussing about gem-hunting. Second, I doubt she’d be thrilled to know the gemstones she would be collecting were just intended for dragon food.”
“Mm...I don’t know, Dave. I’m just not sure.”
“Well, you don’t have to decide right away,” I said. “Give it some thought, and get back to me. Ok?”
“All right. I’ll definitely think about it.”
While not entirely confident, there was an affirmative note in her voice that gave me some hope.
“Sparkleeeer!” Dinky’s voice whined. “We ran out of tissues!”
“Already?” Sparkler asked, more to herself, then sighed. “Sorry, Dave, duty calls.”
“Should I fetch a doctor?” I offered.
“No thanks,” said Sparkler, with a smile. “We already have one.”
“You do? Well, you’re sure lucky. See you.”
Sparkler went back inside, closing the door behind her, but not quickly enough to shield another bout of sneezes. I hoped I wasn’t putting her in a bad spot, having to think about a nation-altering decision while dealing with two little fillies with snot-clogged sinuses. Must be tough to be the elder sibling. I made a mental note to, once I returned home, tell my older sister how much I appreciated her putting up with me all these years.
***
Once back inside, I went over my list again to check and see if everything I could in Ponyville had been gotten. Rarity was probably working on Derpy’s muffin scarf and the bowling jerseys, and Rainbow Dash was going to see about getting me the liquid rainbow. That left the chocolate fountain for the Crusaders and the deluxe bag of candy for the council, all of which could be gotten easily. That then left Pinkie’s family visiting, confirmation on the Golden Griffin Grapes, and everything else in Canterlot to take care of. I was right on track!
As I was putting my list away, there came a knock on my front door.
“Can’t be Sparkler,” I muttered, “unless she decided that easily.”
Making sure no gifts were out in plain sight, I went to the door and opened it up. There stood Moonlight, looking as chipper as ever.
“Hello, Dave!”
“Hi, Moonlight, come on in! You’re looking hale and hearty today,” I added, as she stepped inside.
“That’s because it’s almost Hearth’s Warming! I can’t wait!”
She unfurled her wings, bristling with excitement. I didn’t know what it was, but it felt like there was something different about her. It wasn’t her mane again; it was still in those cute pigtails she had decided to go with. When she took off her winter gear, I could see what it was.
When I’d first met her, she was a bone-thin, scrawny thing, even skinnier than Fluttershy. Now she seemed to have grown a bit. Her limbs and body were thicker; not fat, but more healthy-looking, kind of like Trixie when she was recovering herself. Her wings even seemed to be fluffier and more pronounced than before. She had grown up quite a bit from the frightened mare I had met a few months ago.
“What’s wrong, Dave?” Moonlight asked, cocking her head.
“Huh? Oh, nothing. I just...you’re looking very nice today.”
Moonlight looked slightly surprised, then smiled bashfully.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Are you ready to continue the story?” I asked.
“You bet I am!” said my pegasus pal.
She took her usual spot on the couch while I grabbed The Batpony King from where I’d left it last. With the two of us settled in place, the book between us, we dove right in.
***
“‘...It would take a hundred years to uncover all of the secrets King Pferdermaus’ castle held, but Daring could rest easy knowing that at least one mystery had been solved, and that the reputation of the good king would repair itself over time. The curse of Count de Volblutt was extinguished at last.’”
I closed the book with satisfying finality, and Moonlight was the first to speak up again.
“Wow. So Pferdermaus wasn’t Volblutt after all.”
“Took me by surprise,” I said. “Although, he didn’t really help ease the suspicions around him by keeping a hutch of vampire fruit bats.”
“Yeah,” said Moonlight, giving a shudder that had nothing to do with the cold.
*Knock-knock*
“Now who could that be?” I muttered.
I got up to answer the door while Moonlight stretched, making her joints crack and pop. Opening the door up, I found Sparkler standing there, looking oddly resolute.
“Oh, hey, Sparkler,” I said. “What’s up?”
“I gave it some thought, Dave,” she said, “and talked it over with Mom. She and I both feel you’re right.”
“Huh?”
“I want to help out this dragon business like you said I should. I’ll talk about it with Minister...Ironmane, was it?”
She was agreeing to it?
She was agreeing to it!
“Sparkler, that’s wonderful!” I said, clasping her hoof in both of my hands. “You have no idea what this could mean for Equestria!”
Noticing the embarrassed look on her face, I said, hastily,
“Not that I’m trying to pressure you, mind.”
“No, no, Dave, it’s ok,” she said, giggling. “I’m actually quite interested in this idea: dragon restaurants with gem dishes. I’ll bet Spike would be a regular.”
“Haha, yeah, very true,” I laughed, then said, soberly, “Seriously, Sparkler, if you can make this work, the entire council, maybe even all of Equestria, will be in your debt. You’re an awesome pony.”
I drew an arm around her in a hug, and she, still smiling with a hint of bashfulness, nuzzled me warmly.
“I’ll write to the Minister, and we’ll arrange a meeting as soon as we can,” I said, releasing her. “He usually stops by here on Sundays, but I wonder if Hearth’s Warming may be an exception. We’ll have to see. Hopefully the dragons can hold out until then. Otherwise, maybe I’ll see him when I got to Canterlot this week.”
“All right,” said Sparkler. “I hate to just leave like this, Dave, but I’d better get back home. The kids are nearly due for another dose of cold medicine. They hate the stuff.”
“Just tell them what my dad always told me,” I said, “‘The worse it tastes, the better it works’.”
“I’ll remember that,” said Sparkler, grinning. “Good night, Dave.”
“Good night, Sparkler.”
Sparkler trotted away back toward home, and I shut the door after her. I’d done it! I’d gotten a step further in helping solve the dragon debacle! All that was needed was a talk between her and Ironmane, and we would be golden! She deserved something special to go with it, if it did work out. Maybe a sign, or some other decoration.
“You’re heading to Canterlot?”
I froze in my mental victory dance. I had nearly forgotten Moonlight was still here, looking curiously at me.
“Yeah,” I said. “I have some shopping I need to get done there.”
“Ooh,” said the pegasus. “Do you think...is it ok if I come with you?”
“You want to come with?”
“Yeah! I’ve never seen Canterlot before! At least, not as far as I can remember.”
“Well, I’d be glad to have your company, then,” I said, graciously. “Twilight and Rainbow Dash will be joining us as well.”
“Wonderful!” said Moonlight. “Let me know when and where, and I’ll be ready.”
“Of course.”
“I’d better head off to bed, then,” said Moonlight, stretching cat-like before getting off the sofa. “Another busy day tomorrow.”
“Same here,” I said, walking her to the door. “Good night, Moonlight.”
“Good night, Dave.”
I watched for Moonlight to make it to her house, then shut the door behind me. Grabbing a piece of paper and my ink and quill, I wrote out the following letter:
“Dear Minister Ironmane,
I asked Sparkler Hooves about assisting with the dragon gem restaurant idea, and she gave her approval! When would be the best time for you and her to speak about it? I will be in Canterlot sometime this week, the exact date currently unknown as of the writing of this letter, so hopefully I’ll be able to see you, as I’ll be shopping. Otherwise, if it suits you, I suppose you could meet here on Sunday, though it will be Hearth’s Warming. I’ll leave it to you to decide.
Sincerely,
Dave”
I sealed the letter up in an envelope and took it out to my mailbox as an outgoing message. With that out of the way, I set about making a late dinner. These Daring Do books knew how to keep a guy invested; they make you lose all sense of time.
Sunday, December 18
Lyra: Seapony something
Zecora: Zebrafrican friendship mask
Sparkler: Something for the dragon restaurant
I'm calling it now. that "Friendship" mask means something else entirely.
AHHHH vampire fruit bat!!! man this is interesting! XP also, i've been hated for asking this question but i love this story too much and have been folowing it closely, flutterbat? if not it's fine. i love the story
3744250 Haha, that would be great, we are getting all this buildup for the presents, I can't wait for the resolution, it's gonna be good.
3744250
Mmmhmm...
I think it's a swear word.
Well, I'm glad Sparkler agreed to the idea. Let's just hope it goes over.
Only one more till chapter 90!
3744250
I'm calling in first that you're right
3744250 He said it meant either Friendship or Companionship. I'd bet it means the latter. HMS Awkward Misunderstanding, away!
I have an odd feeling, Moonlight is a changeling. Spoilers of rubbish?
BTW, great story flow. Strangely, it does not get stale over time
3744671 True enough I suppose, still it makes me a little sad
3744406
IT'S MAJORA'S! DAVE IS THE HERO OF TIME!
Is it wrong that i would be on board with this being a ship between Davie and Pinkie
3745245
MY GAWD!
SOMEONE, GET THE SILLY GREEN CLOTHES!
it would be funny if the mask meant WAR not friendship
Zecora will be in for a surprise
This shall be the best hearth warming eve Ever! I can tell. I can't wait until the day comes and everypony gets their gifts from Dave and Vice versa. I just can't wait to see what the ponies got for Dave. And even though it might take a little longer than usual, why don't you just save the chapters until hearth warming even upload the all! How to make everybody that's following busy. Touching up the book that is!
I just love how your story is simple, joyous, and offers only minimal conflict and/or drama.
I would lie if I said I didn't love a good drama, but sometimes reading something that is lighthearted helps clear your mind from all the bad things that can happen in the reader's life.
Without fail, every chapter gets me more relaxed and I find myself smiling as I read the adventures of Dave in Equestria.
Thank you for writing this.
3747453 whoops
3744250
Giggity.
3745197 That was brought up here in the comments for chapter fifty four, The Sick and Bedridden Trixie, complete with some reasoning. The description of Star Glider was in chapter thirty nine, The Complicated History of a Showpony, and confirms that she was definitely a pegasus.
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.......... CURSE YOU BLAZEWING!!!!!!
I thought we were done with this Doctor Whooves Trolling!
Guess not though. Hehe.... Hope for there to be more to come!
3745782 Or Perhaps it means Love and Companionship instead of friendship and companionship.
3749205
yeah that also would be hysterically funny
Why is it I have the feeling she has amnesia? It would explain why she's so secretive and scared.
3753444
Your welcome. It took the same amount of time to watch the episode. I take quick notes.
3590745 Sassified sassafras sarsaparilla. My beverage of choice.
GREAT SCOTT!! I've been gone a while it seems... Reddit tends to do that to you I guess.
Well, now I'm caught up! To tell you the honest truth, I got into this one because I looked at the "Human" tag, saw the number of chapters, and went *chuckle* I wondered how you managed to get this far and still call the thing incomplete. Good stuff! I hope I can do even a quarter as well with mine--but it kind of depends on where RealityCheck takes The Audience next...
3759230 What? I said that in the story it will be the Best hearths warming eve ever. And that he should not upload the new chapters until he does the hearths warming eve chapter.
This has inspired me to draw Twilight in her tree exhausted from working hours decorating for the princesses' arrival. Mostly in order to give it the title tree-ception. That phrase isn't pantented is it?
This was fairly explicit. Usually I would keep those to implicit level. references should be slightly difficult to get. the more work the reader invest trying to get the joke the more rewarding it is to see it. But never too difficult mind you.
I see you have gone back to hinting about doctors.
Review time.
Rating: 10/10
Reason: The best HiE fanfic I've read in a long time!
3773370
Tree-ception? Not to my knowledge
3782713
I have made the backstuff.
fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/013/e/6/library_by_dzv13-d724iep.png
Soon it shall be complete.
This is going to be good.
Edit: This is my base image. As in, I look at this picture to draw it.
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The colors are off on mine and stuff. I aint done though. It'll get better.
And then came me being critical.
This is going all too right. While I appreciate your writing style, it's been drifting into that Gary Stu territory for a while... This chapter nearly throws it into full force, as much as I hate to say it. I mean it's cool that the stuff you've been building in the background is getting solved, but the fact that he just happened to guess a correct idea is iffy, even for a universe following the rules of comedy. The original plot got called up here, that's nice I guess. I'm watching for him to notice little things ("That train's too girly," "That seems oddly brightly colored") that get bigger and bigger as time goes on, but I haven't been seeing it as much, so I'm guessing something big drops on Hearth's Warming that isn't an ending but the plot waking up a little. Maybe by him noticing how it was all too easy of a fix, and that he starts becoming aware of his Gary Stu status. I get that it's intended to be slice of life, yes, and you're very good at writing slice of life, but it feels like it's running longer than it is without some sort of reference or even a hint to whatever that page of truth was early on.
That, or maybe I've just become too critical, and should just go along for the ride, hahaha...
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I have finished. fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/022/0/3/tree_ception_by_dzv13-d73bg15.png
It took some time, but I did it. If you care about the process I put up the day by day look of it in my scraps on deviantart.
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Very nice work. I applaud you.
i have an idea for something to get moonlight. since twilight is going with him to canterlot. have him ask twilight. since "T.Velvet " was mentioned. how about getting her an advanced signed copy of the next book?
i like this story alot for many reasons!!
1. it's a multi chapter story! and it's written well. seeing as how i'm unable to work due to injury. i'm home constantly and love a good read
2. IT'S WRITTEN REALLY WELL!! it feels like real life, it goes by in a great pacing, and yet it still keeps me interested with what's going on.
3. it's great!
Finally all caught up after about 2 weeks from starting this, I've really been enjoying this fanfic its been one of the best I've read in a long while and cannot wait for an update, keep up the great work.
- Soviet Russian Brony
One of the least common stories Ive read so far, out of 180? that where it isnt major conflict after hue problem, but where did that,that, and that snowball come from etc. Im suprised at the fort melting already when you havent reached the holidays. Usually when it snows, it gets more and more fozen till Winter Wrap up the next year?
Treeception?.. Aww, you forgot the pine fresheners as ornaments, or even the monkey puzzle mobile tree ornament. Or Forest in a snowglobe ornament (Run Forest)
As for the Princesses gifts? What do you get for someone who gets given the very best and can buy the rest? Something that no sane knowlegeable socialite would Ever dare to even consider
Prankmaster kit for Celesia?
Another good thing is, this story lets me know I probably don't have to rush to my main point.
hopefully Blazewing didn't die soon after that post
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Wow. During the piece about Dave missing home "Take me to Equestria" popped up in my playlist. Though it says the opposite Dave would like (going home), it felt right at that spot.
Also: Almost up to date :D & :S (I'd like to read a lot more before you end the story)
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"Why Dave, I must say, I did not know you felt this way. I think it would be all right if you decided to stay the night."
"Um, I'm starting to think there's been a breakdown in communications. I'll just, uh, come back later."
"Wait! Do not flee! I need a stallion inside of me!"
...
...
Confound these ponies and their puppy-dog-eyes.
(edit: Yes, I have an exceedingly dirty mind.)
Hmm. If Spike can get (or even make, if he restrains himself) certain gem dishes here (and can eat the gems by themselves, if he doesn't feel like having them with other food), I don't know if he'd be a regular at this restaurant. Maybe as a special treat, sure...
Rainbow can math
no u to the power of 2
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