Strangers in Everglow

by BookyBrony

Setbacks and Opportunities

In the morning, the three mares, despite being disappointed that this was not a dream and that they were not in a more familiar bed, got together and saw to make some form of plan for the days ahead. Almost immediately, Sunset read the diary to find that Twilight had received her message and was much relieved to find out they were safe. She promised to do all she could to get them back home, and Sunset said they would do the same from their end.

Taking a breath, Sunset looked at her companions. “All right, what we're going to need, first of all, are funds to keep living here. We need some money and fast,” she said.

At this the performer had a haughty smirk, and puffed out her chest. “The Great and Powerful Trixie shall show these ponies a spectacular show, and they will throw bits at my hooves and plead for more spectacle, leave that to me,” she said with no small bit of pride.

Sunset just smiled and shook her head. “All right then, I'll stay here and keep talking with Twilight to see if we can't brainstorm an idea or two,” she said, before looking at the third member of the group. “Moondancer,” she started, getting the cream colored mare’s attention. “I want you to take the money we have and go find a clothes shop, even if you don't have enough I'd like to know how much some clothes would cost for me once we have some more money.”

Moondancer nodded. “All right,” she agreed. “I'll go and look then.” She got up and was about to go when her stomach growled and she laughed, a little bit embarrassed, “After that complimentary breakfast?” she asked. The other two mares agreed and got up, heading downstairs to start their day and respective missions.

Sometime later, Moondancer found herself walking down the street, looking from one side to the other. “Tavern, tavern, inn, tavern.”

She was not having much luck with finding any clothes stores, tailors or otherwise, but she did discover a lot of the buildings in this town were either for housing travelers or catering to them.

Finally she had enough of aimlessly wandering around and stopped a pair of earth ponies, a mare and a stallion, both in matching breastplates that made her suspect they were some kind of guards for the town.

“Excuse me,” she said, getting their attention. “I'm afraid I'm a bit lost, could you tell me where I may find a clothes store?”

The stallion gave her a strange look but was silent as the mare laughed kindly. “You must be new to town,” she guessed. “Port Mareheart doesn't have a proper clothes store, closest you'll get is the adventure outfitters.”

With a slightly embarrassed sigh, she confirmed that she was indeed new. “Where might I find one?” she asked. “Are they terribly expensive?”

“The Gilded Girdle, terrible name, I know,” the mare stated with a frown, pointing up the street in the direction she was heading. “Their prices aren't too bad, at the very least she won't cheat you.”

Moondancer looked to where the mare was pointing and nodded. “Thank you. I've been having the hardest time finding anywhere that sold clothes.” The couple smiled to her and wished her well and a good day before heading off to their own business. Moondancer trotted on towards her new objective, now at least knowing where she was going.

Once she got there, she found that it was not in the least a place she’d expect to find clothes. The storefront windows were full of pony shaped mannequins dressed in armor and with stands holding weaponry ranging from spears to swords to halberds. Also present was a rope with climbing gear and even some swim gear. On a sign next to the door it read “The Gilded Girdle Outfitters. For all your adventuring needs.”

With the ring of a welcoming bell she entered the store and found that it was well lit, notably around some of the fancier wears.

“Welcome to the Gilded Girdle,” greeted a lithe looking pony. A mare by the looks of her. She also seemed like a sea pony, unless those fins near her ears were just a decoration. “So, how can I help you survive your next adventure?”

Moondancer shook herself from her musings and approached the counter. “Oh, I'm not an adventurer. I'm only here to buy some clothes,” she explained.

The sea mare looked at her oddly. “Just regular clothes?” she asked, before really noting the attire of her customer. “Ah, did you lose the backside of your dress somewhere?”

Moondancer shook her head. “It's a long story, but my friend and I are in need of clothes. She's completely naked and well, it feels awkward to be the center of attention.”

The shopkeeper nodded, understanding. “I see. Well, we don't really sell normal clothes here. This town is built on selling to adventurers, and they usually clothe themselves in armor of some kind or another.” As she said this she stepped from behind the counter and started to look through the inventory, letting Moondancer see that she was wearing an excellent set of leather armor of some kind with metal studs holding it together. “Local smiths make the armor and weapons, but I have to import what few clothes we do sell, how much are willing to pay?”

Moondancer looked as the mare showed her around. “We don't have much,” she said, growing worried that she wouldn't have the money to get what they needed. “Will five gold get us much?”

The mare looked at her and thought for a moment. “A few things, depending on how much of it you're willing to part with. I got a couple old wizard robes in the back that I could part with for that, but for a single coin I could get you two ratty sets of clothes. Though that sounds to be about as much as you need. They aren't stylish but they'll cover you up where they need to. Peasants who can't afford any better usually wear them,” she said, showing a set of clothes that look to be poorly fitted and patched together with whatever was convenient.

The unicorn looked at the shoddy sets of clothes with some dismay. She normally didn't care about how she looked, but as washed as the rags looked they seemed like they’d still be itchy and looked less than comfortable. “Let's look at those robes,” she decided bashfully.

The shopkeeper just laughed. “I figured as much. The only real problem with cloaks like these is that folks will take you for a wizard,” she joked as she led her customer to the back room.

While looking through the shelves she started to make small talk. “So if you and your friend aren't adventurers, what brings you to Port Mareheart?”

Moondancer looked with her. “Well, my friends and I just ended up nearby, we really didn't mean to be anywhere near here. It's kind of complicated and I know it sounds crazy, but we're from a different world altogether.”

The sea pony just gave her an odd look before she continued to search for the robes. “Not sure what it says about my life to say I've heard stranger.”

Moondancer looked at her with disbelief at first before thinking that one of her oldest friends back in Equestria probably has gone through stranger herself. Wanting to fill the silence herself, she asked, “What's your name, by the way? I'm Moondancer.”

Without looking up from from the stack of cloth, the sea pony answered. “Reef Glider.” Before long after that she exclaimed a triumphant, “Ha!” And pulled up two folded robes and set them outside the stack they were in.

They were both red in color, and certainly seemed a better make than the simple rags from earlier. “Those look much better,” Moondancer said with some relief.

“I agree,” said Reef Glider. “You'll want to try one on?”

Moondancer nodded and the sea mare helped her get the robe on. “Fit alright? How about around your withers?” Reef Glider asked as she adjusted how Moondancer wore the robe.

It fit her well enough, perhaps a bit loose but Moondancer decided that was an easy thing to overlook. “Thank you,” she said as she pulled the gold coins from her pocket. “My friend is about the same size as me, it should do just fine,” she explained, laying down the five gold pieces on the counter.

As Reef thanked her, the unicorn’s eyes glanced at a thin book that was stacked on copies of itself. The title inked on the cover was, 'Art of Adventure for Beginners,’ and her heart fluttered before she remembered that she had just spent all her bits. “I wish I had just a bit more,” she said aloud without meaning to. Adventurer or not, it was a new book in a new world, and the prospect excited her.

Reef looked at the short stack of books. “They're only a silver each. A friend of mine, a retired adventurer, wrote it, offering tips to those who are just getting started,” she explained. She saw the look of intrigue on the mare’s face and sighed. “Alright, you bought two old cloaks from me and helped me clear up space,” she started, getting Moondancer’s attention and smiling. “I'll throw the book in for free.”

The unicorn's eyes brightened. “You mean it? I don't want to hurt your business.”

“One silver won't put me on the streets,” Reef laughed. “Just don't start spreading it around that I'm giving you a freebie, otherwise everyone will start pestering me.”

Moondancer gathered it up with Sunset’s robe, wearing her own. She smiled brightly, the only thing stopping her from hugging the sea mare was the counter in her way. “Thank you!”

Reef couldn't help but giggle at her reaction. “As excited as you are about reading I'd swear you’re an ardent follower of Princess Luminace.”

Moondancer blushed at realizing just how much she was acting like a filly. “I don't know who that is,” she admitted.

“You must be kidding,” the sea mare looked at her incredulously. “You should have at least heard of the gods. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised if you really are from another plane.”

Moondancer nodded. “But who is Princess Luminace?” she asked, her curiosity peaked.

“The newest to join the gods, she's made knowledge and friendship her domain,” Reef explained. “Mostly she’s worshipped by scholars and librarians. Me personally, I don't give gods much attention, none of them have made themselves patrons of profiteering,” she quipped.

Moondancer listened intently, finding the idea of a deity dedicated to knowledge very appealing, and kind of funny that the goddess sounded a bit like her friend back in her own world. She didn't linger much longer, bid the kind shopkeeper goodbye, and left.

She went in the direction she remembered the inn being, opening the book and reading as she walked, paying just enough attention as to not run into anyone or anything. The book itself seemed a little amateurish in her opinion. It had no hook, no draw, but it did work as a guide book, if an uninteresting one.

‘As an adventurer, one must be aware of their surroundings.’

Moondancer thought that would be obvious. And then she looked up and around and noticed that she did not know where she was. She felt like she was being made fun of by the book she had just gotten.

“Well, somepony looks a little lost,” came a voice from behind her.

She quickly turned around and saw three stallions, two earth ponies and a sea pony, who seemed to be the leader as he was between the other two. The leader and one of the earth ponies smiled wickedly at her, the other one had a dagger in his mouth.

She took a step back. “Y-yes, I am. I must have just taken a wrong turn from the main street,” she said, trying not to sound as nervous as she was. “I'm sure I can find my way back.” She noted that they were blocking her way from the road she had taken.

The sea pony just chuckled. “Well, being fine upstanding citizens as we are, for a bit of your coin we’d be happy to lead a cute mare like you back.”

She took another step back, not liking the look in the eye of the earth stallion who didn't have the knife. “I-I don't have any money left. I just spent it all on these robes and this book.”

This didn't seem to dissuade them a bit. “That's fine,” the sea pony said as the other earth pony laughed and pulled out a knife from a sheath on his shoulder. “We're flexible when it comes to payment.”

Catching onto what they meant her legs trembled, and part of her wanted to bolt from that spot.

They approached, ill intent evident in their eyes.

“Picking on defenseless mares in Gloom Street, Tide?” came a familiar accented voice. “Your mother’d be ashamed.”

The smile left the sea pony named Tide's face, and they turned around to face the voice as Moondancer looked past them to see Aquamarine standing there, a sharp toothed grin on his face.

“What do you want, Aqua?” Tide growled. “This is my street and you’re in the way of The Rat’s business.”

Aqua just tilted his head. “I recall the lady saying she didn't have a single copper on her, and you saying you’d 'take another sort of payment.’” The turquoise colored pony narrowed his eyes but kept the toothy grin. “What would the Rat think of you ignoring your work for you and your boys to have the craic.”

Tide’s stance faltered a bit. “Y-you couldn't possibly know who The Rat is, no one does.”

Aquamarine’s grin widened and it frightened even Moondancer. “I talk and get friendly with a lot of ponies, Tide. Who's to say one of them isn't The Rat?”

Tide seemed to shiver despite himself. “We could just leave you dead, The Rat wouldn't need to know at all.” He and his company tried to look more bold in front of Aqua as he said this.

The other sea pony only smiled and kept his composure. “If you think you can, you're welcome to try.” He lifted his hoof, revealing the handle of a sword beneath his cloak, expertly hidden.

The boldness of the three thugs faltered, and Tide stared Aqua down, but faltered. “Fine, the little mare ain't worth it anyhow. Let's go,” he said to his underlings, who put their knives away and walked by Aqua, who eyed them the entire time they went. As soon as they passed him he started walking towards Moondancer, who only stared with a mix of awe and a touch of fear. He turned his head to watch as the thugs rounded a corner.

Once they were gone, and out of earshot, Aqua turned to her and smiled. “Looks like they fell for it,” he chuckled quietly.

Moondancer balked. “That, that was all just a bluff!?” she exclaimed with disbelief.

He only laughed lightly. “Well, not entirely. I could take down Tide down no problem, maybe even one of his boys with him, but all three? Well, I'd be hard pressed to survive,” he admitted, though still he grinned.

The mare felt her knees weaken beneath her as she felt the adrenaline leave her and she realized just how quickly it could have all gone wrong.

Aqua seemed to notice and just chuckled. “Don't worry, Tide barks far worse than he wishes he could bite. He probably would have backed off if you stood your ground better,” he explained. “He’s a real scum bastard and is really a coward, especially if he's alone. His poor ma though, worries more than he’s worth if you ask me. Great mare though, getting on in years, but great hips, and makes good eggs ‘n toast.”

Moondancer just stared at him as he kept talking. It seemed to her that he liked to talk, but he was pleasing to listen to. Something about his tone was like his singing, pleasant regardless of what it was about. She realized then that she had not thanked him for saving her. “Thank you, Aqua. That could have been, really bad,” she said, forcing a laugh.

He smiled. “You're welcome, and I was looking to talk with you three about a proposal anyways, so it's doubly fortunate that I run into you here.”

She tilted her head, not sure why he'd want to see them again. “What!? Look as nice a stallion you are, I don't think any of the three of us are looking for a relationship right now,” she said, jumping to a conclusion with a furious blush on her cheeks.

Aqua nearly barked out in laughter. “Calm yourself, lass. As lovely as you three are, no, this isn't that kind of proposal.” He looked around. “Better not to talk of it here. I'll get you back to the inn and you get your friends together and head down to the west side of town, meet me at a tavern called The Happy Widow. That is, if you three would be willing to possibly earn a little gold.”

Moondancer thought on that a moment, she wasn't sure they would need the money or that they would be there long enough to really use it, and she told him as much.

He just gave her one of his wide and confident grins. “Well, I'll be waiting. If you three don't want to hear my suggestion, I'll just find my amusement in the tavern. But if you do, well, we'll discuss that later, possibly.”

He did as he said he would, and led her to the main street and towards the inn before he took his leave, reminding her of where he'd be waiting. With a final grin, he left.

Moondancer made the rest of the way on her own, and found Trixie scowling into her hat. She could guess at what was wrong, but asked before she could stop herself. “How did it go?”

Trixie turned her glare to her companion, and snorted before relaxing, drawing from the hat twelve gold coins and fifteen silver. “Not since Trixie was starting out has she gained so little from a show,” she complained.

“They didn't like the show?” Moondancer asked, trying to ask gently.

Trixie threw her hooves in the air and sat on her rump. “They were eating out of my hoof, and hung on Trixie’s every word as they should have! But after my show was done the applause seemed just… out of politeness rather than awe. Like they were expecting something more spectacular.” She huffed, putting her magician's hat back on along with the coins. “These ponies have seen greater performances than Trixie has ever given, and that fact leaves me sour.”

The bespectacled unicorn tried to think of something to cheer her companion up. “Well, it'll pay for a couple more nights at least, if we need it,” was the best she could come up with.

The jilted performer was less than impressed, but did not take it out Moondancer. “Let us go inside to see if Sunset has a plan yet,” she said, going into the entrance of the inn, followed by her companion.

They knocked before entering the room, to find Sunset in a somewhat dishevelled state. She looked up at them from the book, and answered them before either could ask. “Twilight and I are drawing blanks. We don't seem to have a proper conduit to transport from this world and back to ours,” she started. “Getting here in the first place was a freak accident, and duplicating the outcome would be difficult even with a proper stand in. We just don't have the resources for it.” She rubbed her temples between her hooves. “We need more magical ability than either Twilight or I have, and probably a lot more exotic material than we could afford even if Trixie's show was a rousing success.”

Trixie looked to the floor with the same scowl she had earlier. It was all Sunset needed to see to know that it was indeed not.

“Great,” Sunset sighed. “Guess we need a plan for the long term.”

“About that,” Moondancer chimed in, getting the attention of both mares. “Well, I ran into Aqua again on my way back from the store.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Was he following you?” she asked as Moondancer floated the robe she had bought to her. “Thank you,” she said, looking it over and fitting herself into it.

“I don't think so. I took a wrong turn while I was reading and some street thugs tried to… steal from me,” Moondancer explained, showing the book she had gotten for free. “He stopped them, so I guess I should give him a chance,” she said, explaining the offer Aqua had given them. “Do you think it's worth listening to him? You said we’ll need some more money.”

Trixie and Sunset both shared a look that said they weren't sure, but Sunset sighed and spoke up. “I guess it'd be worth at least hearing him out. If we don't like what he says we can just say no.” The three of them agreed to go, and Sunset was glad to have some kind of clothing to make ponies stare less on their way to The Happy Widow.

The noise from the tavern was a mix of boisterous laughter and singing. Even at this hour there were plenty of patrons for the tavern to tend to. The three mares entered and looked around to find the one who had invited them.

It was easy enough, being able to hear him before seeing him. He was sitting next to a blushing pegasus mare, making flirtatious remarks about her beauty.

When the three unicorns approached the table and Sunset coughed to get his attention, Aqua looked up and gave his familiar toothy grin. “You came after all,” he looked to the mare he was sitting with. “I'm sorry, I must get to business before pleasure,” he said to her, earning a pout, followed by a stern glare at the three mares. Picking up on it, Aqua chuckled. “No need to worry, it's strictly business with these three. I will be paying you a visit this evening.” The pegasus seemed to accept this and nodded as Aqua stood up from the table and walked with the three unicorns to another table on the other end of the tavern.

“Mare friend?” Moondancer asked, peering over to the pegasus who was sipping at a drink now.

“I just met that lovely bird while waiting for you three, nice mare,” Aqua said as he relaxed in his seat, calling a server over.

Trixie fixed him with a weary glare. “It would seem you don't commit to relationships, flirting with every mare you meet within minutes of first speaking with them.”

“Life is fleeting,” Aqua replied his smirk never faltering. “There are a lot of adventurers in this town, and they understand that their next adventure may be their last, so why not have a bit if fun before it's too late?”

Trixie rolled her eyes, and Sunset spoke up before they forgot the reason they are there in the first place. “Moondancer said you had a proposal for us, something that involved a lot of money?”

“Straight to it then?” Aqua laughed, looking to the server he called over. “I'll have an ale.” He looked to the unicorns. “What'll you have?” he asked. “Don't fret about it, I'm buying.”

“Trixie will have a cider,” said the show pony.

“Cider for me too,” said Sunset.

“Just a glass of water,” Moondancer requested.

The server took quick notes and nodded, and then moved to get their orders.

“I see you got some clothes,” Aqua observed. “I guess I'll just have to live with it,” he joked, again bringing varying blushes to their cheeks.

Sunset cut him off before he kept talking. “What is this you're proposing?” she asked.

Aqua nodded. “Seeing as you came, I can guess that you're having some need of coin, and I thought I might suggest taking up adventuring,” he said. “You all seem the part, especially now.”

The three mares looked at each other and to him with some confusion. “Why would we be adventurers?” Sunset asked.

Aqua only smirked. “I think you may end up going on an adventure, whether you mean to or not. This is just too perfectly placed to be mere coincidence,” he leaned back as the drinks came.

The three mares were growing more frustrated. The stallion wasn't explaining himself well. “What makes you think that?” asked Sunset.

“You get dropped off a stone's throw from a town that carries the title 'Where Adventures Begin,’” Aqua explained, taking a drink from his mug, and looking Sunset in the eye. “Most of the time that's just the taverns trying to sell their drinks, but I think for once, it's right. I may not be a bard, but this is one story I sure want to witness.”

Trixie scoffed. “So you would just want to travel alone with us pretty mares,” she turned her nose up. “Trixie knows you are a letch.”

Aqua laughed heartily at that. “I'd love to, truly, and I wish it would be so, but no, if it were just the four of us we would meet our end fast as our beginning. No, I have someone in mind for our fifth. Even if you three are novices, he'll keep us alive,” he smiled smugly. “Even if he doesn't have much regard for me.”

“And you think you can get him to help us?” Sunset asked skeptically.

Aqua nodded with his usual grin. “We can go see him as soon as you're ready. Finish your drinks first, it's rude to the barkeep if you don't,” he rose his voice to call in the direction of the stallion at the bar, “even when it tastes like warm piss.”

The earth pony waved him off. “We all know you've drank worse, Aqua.”

With a barking laugh, Aqua returned his attention to the mares. “So, what do you say?”

The three mares looked at each other to see if any of them would voice objections. After a moment, Sunset turned to him. “Well, let's see this fifth, and then we'll decide. It's not like we have any other options at this point,” she conceded.

His grin growing, he lifted his drink and finished what was left in only a few gulps. “Casey! Put these drinks on my tab!” The stallion at the bar only gave a short wave to show he had heard.

The mares drank their ciders and water more civilly than Aqua had, and the group left the tavern. Aqua was leading them towards the center of town, to a building that was much larger than the others around it and was built of stone rather than the ubiquitous wood. A pony dressed as a guard of the town was standing outside the door. He gave Aqua a dirty look, but the sea pony only smirked back. “Hello there, Wheat. Is Iron Shield in?” he asked, looking to the door.

“He’s here alright, but I doubt he'd appreciate a visit from you,” the guard said, looking at the entourage of mares that was with him. “These mares have a grievance against you?” he asked, his glare towards Aqua growing weary. “You keep going the way you are and you'll die penniless and with more bastards than you can name.”

Aqua just grinned. “And with a smile on my face,” he quipped. “But no, it's nothing like that, these mares are here to see Iron.”

Wheat balked and looked to them. “I didn't think he was that kind of stallion.”

Aqua found himself laughing. “As fun as it'd be to sic the three of them on him, they aren't those kind of mares.”

Indeed said mares seemed to show varying levels of offense and or embarrassment. “Are you going to let the Great and Powerful Trixie through or not?”

Wheat was flustered and nodded. “Y-yes, Sir Iron Shield is probably in the main hall,” he said. Aqua thanked him and entered the building with the mares, as he looked about for the pony named Iron Shield.

His search ended when his gaze fell upon a unicorn stallion with a rust colored coat, wearing a heavy looking set of armor. If he had a helmet, he wasn't wearing it. His red mane was cut short and his steely gray eyes were affixed to a painting of an Alicorn in royal regalia sitting and smiling. The stallion did not notice their approach until they were a few paces away, his ears swiveling towards them before his head turned.

He was young, and quite handsome, though his weary gray eyes held the dim light of one who has seen much in so few years. His horn was prominent, longer than most, usually denoting a strong family lineage in magical power, though he was dressed more as a knight.

His eyes glanced over each of them, and then upon Aqua who smiled as the stallion frowned. He turned to the nearest of the three mares, which happened to be Moondancer. “If this cad has caused you and your friends distress, I will see to it that he is punished to the fullest extent of the law.” His voice was both strong and gentle carrying authority.

Aqua shook his head and grinned. “You see me and immediately assume I've done something wrong.”

“I've seen you dragged up here too many times with an angry mare that it's easy to guess,” the knight shot back. “If you're not here for improper behavior, what are you here for?”

Aqua nodded, and began to introduce everyone to each other. “Lassies, this is Iron Shield, Imperial Knight and all round good pony. Iron, this is Sunset Shimmer, Moondancer and The Great and Powerful Trixie, three mares who've gotten separated from their world and stuck in ours.”

The last part caught Iron Shield’s attention. “Is that true? That sounds horrible. If there is anything I can do to help, just say so, and I will see to it to the best of my meager abilities.”

The vow sounded genuine, and while Trixie and Sunset nodded, Moondancer found herself smiling and blushing. She was not used to the attention of such a handsome stallion.

Aqua laughed heartily. “I told you he would help,” he declared.

Moondancer smiled. “We need to find a way back home, and Aqua says we could get funds if we become adventurers and that you would be willing to join with us,” she said. “I hope we aren't imposing too much upon you, Lord Iron Shield,” she bowed slightly.

Iron held up a hoof. “Just Iron Shield if you will. Sir Iron Shield if you must,” he said. He looked over to Aqua and narrowed his eyes. “It's very presumptuous of you to assume I can go on an adventure,” he stated flatly. “I am a knight of the realm, I can't just leave my station at any given moment.”

“Does this mean you won't help?” Sunset asked, feeling her heart sink just a little in disappointment.

Iron looked at her apologetically. “I'm sorry, I spoke without thinking before,” he said. “I did not expect that to be what you would ask of me. As much as I want to help you, I have not been released from my duty to give the local guard aid.”

“Now, now, Sir Iron,” came the wizened voice of a mare. “It does not befit you to go back on your word.”

The group turned to see an elderly mare enter the room. Her mane was white and her face was a testament to years of experience. “Now, what seems to be the problem?” she asked.

Iron stood at attention. “Captain Willow, I was just telling them that I have duties that must come first.”

The captain shook her head. “You are assigned to support our guard until such time as your aid is no longer needed, and as acting Captain, I can decide when your duties are complete,” she said with a matronly smile.

He gave her an inquisitive look. “Ma'am?”

“Go on, Sir Iron. As wild as this town gets, it's hardly worthy of the attention of a young knight,” she said, glancing at the party. “These mares need your help, and you're more likely to do good deeds for the empire out in the field than in a town such as this.”

Iron looked to her in some form of disbelief as an accented voice broke the short silence. “Willow, you look more lovely everyday.”

The captain chuckled. “Aqua, that silver tongue of yours will get you in trouble, and I'm much too old for the kind of games you play with the young mares of this town,” she said.

Aqua only smiled with his rakish charms. “I am sure I could make you feel like a young lady again.”

While most of those present blushed, including Iron Shield, Willow only laughed. “Behave, Aqua,” she smiled kindly. “I hope you find a mare who can keep you in your place,” she said.

Aqua shrugged. “So do I, she sounds like a hell of a mare,” he joked.

“If that's settled then,” Sunset interrupted, and looked to Iron Shield. “I don't want you to feel like you're being forced into this, but we would welcome the help. If you're willing to come with us.”

The stallion looked at each of them, and at Aqua. “I would be glad to join you. I had already said I would do anything I could to help, and now that my duties have been relieved I can make good on that promise,” he bowed his head. “If you would have my service, I vow that I shall not rest until you are returned safely to your home.”

Moondancer felt herself flush again. “I… thank you, Sir Iron Shield. We are glad to have you along,” she said, looking away and trying to control her rosy red cheeks.

Sunset moved beside Moondancer, giving her a glance, and looking Iron Shield in his eyes. “We’ll accept your vow. I'm not so sure about Aqua,” the sea pony voiced his offense, but was ignored. “But you certainly seem trustworthy. I'm glad to have your help.”

The stallion nodded. “Very well,” he looked to Aqua. “It was your suggestion that they become adventurers, are we to join with the Seekers, or were you planning to have us go without their support?” he asked.

“The Seekers?” Sunset asked, though the other two mares were listening with inquisitive looks too.

Iron sought to answer her. “They are Everglow’s adventuring guild,” he explained. “They even predate the Empire. My Great Grandmother was one, and was involved in the Battle of Broken Bones, which cemented the foundation of the Empire.” There was a trace of pride in his voice as he continued. “For her deeds she was given a knighthood, as were many brave ponies in those times.”

The sea pony chuckled. “I have nothing against the guild, and last I checked they have nothing to be angry at me about,” he said, looking to the mares. “The guild is useful, as a member you can use their guildhalls to stay at, and train, study, and receive jobs. They take a portion of the pay, but they say nothing of loot.”

Trixie pondered this before speaking. “The Great and Powerful Trixie agrees with this idea. Using this guild’s resources, we will achieve our goal much more expediently.”

“Not to mention it'd be safer,” Moondancer added. “I'm still not sure how I'll be able to help, but if this place can help teach me something, that'd be worth it alone.”

Sunset only nodded. “Then I guess it's decided,” she said, looking to the two more experienced members of their new little band of adventurers. “Where is this place?” she asked. “We should get there as soon as we can.”

The sea pony shook his head. “It's getting on towards sundown, better we deal with the guild in the morning,” he said.

Iron agreed with a nod. “I shall gather my things together tonight. In the morning we should meet and then apply for membership. It'll be a long day, they'll want to set us through our paces to see that we can manage as an adventurer party. I recommend a light breakfast,” he said to them.

Aqua laughed light heartedly. “Now don't be scaring them,” he said, noting the apprehension on the faces of the three mares. “It won't be that hard.”

The sea pony then turned his attention to the older mare who was still watching. “I have another date tonight, but I think we'll be in town long enough for us to to enjoy a night together sometime.”

Willow only laughed, and ignored him. “Off with you now. If you lot have your business concluded, I'd like my guardhouse clear in case an emergency comes up.”

She the looked to the mares. “And take care of Sir Iron, he is brave and skilled, but also reckless the way such stallions are. He'll dive into danger before he realizes he could need help,” she said, earning a snort from the knight but no other form of protest.

The unicorns all nodded. “We'll watch his back,” Sunset said.

With goodbyes soon said, the party left, and then agreed to meet at the guild in the morning. Aqua would retrieve them and Iron would be there ahead of them.

The three mares made their way to the inn, and after eating, both Trixie and Moondancer fell asleep quickly, having both done much that day. Sunset, however, was not tired enough to sleep just yet. Her mind was full of worry for the path they had chosen, yet mixed with the excitement of what she might learn on an adventure. It almost overshadowed the apprehension she felt with the danger that was surely to come with it.

She considered starting a journal to keep documentation of the adventure, but a better thought formed in her mind, and she took the tome that she used to communicate with her fellow pupil. “She’d want to hear all about this,” she said to herself as she opened it and dipped her quill in the ink well. She suppressed a giggle, and thought of how the young alicorn may even grow jealous of her, missing out on such an opportunity to learn.

Dear Princess Twilight...

Author's Note:

This took way longer to get out than I planned. But my editor was busy with it being the holidays so it couldn't be much helped.

This is my longest chapter to date I believe, in all my works.

This also introduces Iron Shield. He's a Pony Cavalier, and lives up to the deeds and title of a noble knight.

I have quite a few stories that involve him, but some I may put into this story. He is possibly my favorite character I've ever played, and has faced the most struggle and the most success.

One story I think I can share is in one instance when the party was camping in a Dragon's cave. Iron can't exactly sleep in his armor, so the dragon came back, and wasn't too happy about us being there so we had to fight, and Iron would have to do so without his armor.

It was hard fought, but we won, and Iron Shield had struck the killing blow, and from then on I joked about Iron Shield killing a dragon while naked.

Comments

[Tangent]

Iron Shield: "I once killed a dragon in my pajamas."

Trixie: "Why was the dragon wearing your pajamas?"

[NobodieZ]

Nice work.