52 - Self-Promotion
Lyra took her place in front of a podium that had been set up. It was supposed to be where the mayor would stand, and usually was, but that round needed the focus to be on the competing mares. She smiled at the crowd as best she could. There sure were a lot of them, pony and human alike.
She was a performer, so big crowds weren't entirely a new thing. Still, they usually didn't weigh in on who you were allowed to marry or not. "Hello all of you. If I am selected--" she directed a hoof at herself for emphasis. "--I promise to bring an element that I think is otherwise missing from this. I have a genuine wish to be Laud's friend. I want to learn more about his people, and his ways. I want to show him Equestria's wonders. I will be happiest when we are working as one another's guides."
She tilted her head a little. "Besides that, my music is a solid addition to any situation." With that cue given, her lyre appeared from nowhere in particular over her head and began to play soft and inspiring music to back up her words. "As soft or loud as the circumstances demand, with the right tempo and style to add emphasis or smooth edges." She waved a hoof up at it and it vanished in a puff. "Or when silence is the order of the day." She placed a hoof back at her chest. "Though I am a skilled spellcaster, graduated from the top school in the country, I know that magic doesn't solve everything, and I prefer to learn how to do something 'right', rather than 'easy'."
Twilight frowned at that part. Though her name hadn't been invoked directly, she couldn't help but feel she was being targeted. Though she bristled, she kept herself quiet, watching Lyra intently.
"Oh!" She smiled brilliantly. "I know how to have fun! Me and Bonnie have explored Equestria and even beyond it at times, seeing the sights, meeting all kinds of creatures, and experiencing life. That life experience will help me with adjusting to Laud's exotic background." She turned to face Laud directly, forgetting the rest of the crowd. "Choose me and I will take care of you, not as some matronly mare, but as a caring friend. Oh!" She jumped, remembering another thing. "You'll also join my house, and it's full of other intelligent ponies who know their way around the noble circles." Her words were echoed as she spoke, her translator still worn. First the horse noises, then in the flat English the humans could understand.
"But first! I'm going to learn this language." She tapped at her translator. "This is a fashion accessory I can do without. Besides, not knowing your bud's language? I felt super embarrassed when it was brought up. Let's fix that, even if you don't pick me. You went through that much effort for us, a real friend shouldn't be shy about returning the favor."
She dipped her head, ears rolled flat. "Thank you, all of you." She had more time, but had run out of things to say. Though she was sure she'd think of more things later, it wasn't worth looking, and feeling, silly up on the podium.
As she stepped down, Mayor Mare replaced her. "Very good. Technically, speaking of Bon Bon is against the letter of the rules, but since you are on the same side, I see little harm in mentioning her. Next will be Princess Twilight Sparkle."
Bon Bon nudged her marefriend gently. "You didn't mention you were one of the first ponies to try to reach out to him."
Lyra lifted her shoulders. "Yeah, oh well. I did my best. You can bring it up when it's your turn."
The crowd murmured with soft discussion, weighing the quality of Lyra's speech. Laud's eyes were on the podium, watching intently, but not speaking. Paul was happy to speak for him, "she's very earnest. You can do worse than the 'girl next door' for an option, though this one comes with a noble title."
He rolled a hand lightly in Lyra's direction. "She is a spellcaster, of course, but at least she has temperance, unlike some of them. Other than her use of her instrument, of course."
Twilight took the podium, clearing her throat before she began in English, slow and methodical, "I am a princess. This means many things." Soft murmurs rose louder.
Pinkie, not being the subtle sort, pulled out a megaphone. "We can't understand you, Twilight!" she boomed, her equine voice echoing with its volume.
Twilight paused a moment, peering at Pinkie who was waving at her excitedly. "Yes..." she pulled free a collar from her pocket and slid it on, her magic securing it and turning it on. "As I was saying." She slipped back to the equine tongue, letting the collar speak the English for her. "I am a Princess. Though I was not born with the title, it is now mine to live up to. This means that I have become educated in statecraft and the fine arts needed to be an effective ruler."
She nodded towards Laud as she spoke, "Laud will be the one to stand guard over the entire world. This is no small position. It will involve challenges that will tax him, or anyone, heavily, but I am ready to shoulder some of that burden." She raised a hoof and a book appeared, falling onto it. "I've already begun studying the laws and customs of their empire to better serve this task. I will also provide advice and counsel in how to incorporate it harmoniously with Equestrian laws." She raised her other hoof, another book falling onto it. She swayed left and right, emphasizing the art of balancing. "This is a challenge that will shape the futures of both of our people, and I will see it done right."
Twilight set the books down and rose up, standing on two legs, her forehooves resting lightly on the podium. She was not leaning against it, balancing in place as a human might. "Despite our differing anatomies, I believe that we all want the same basic things. To live, thrive, and find fulfillment in our varied ways. I've acted as diplomat between wildly varying races before, from griffons to dragons to hippogriffs and beyond. Even the isolationist yaks have been brought to the table. What is this if not another related challenge?"
She reached out one hoof over the podium. "I offer my hoof to our human visitors. As the princess of friendship, I stand ready to welcome them to Equestria, to learn and grow with us."
Paul shook his head slowly as he popped a fried sliver of potato in his mouth. "Princess of friendship, still gets me."
Laud's brow twitched. Was Paul just there to test him? "Focus," he harshly whispered. "Let them speak without interruptions."
Twilight curled the same hoof around to indicate her chest. "This speaks nothing to my other talents. Magic is a... delicate topic among our human visitors, but to pretend it isn't there would be a disservice. Even were I to swear it off for his sake, the rest of the world would not. I am an actively practicing wizard, and will help my stallion understand and react to arcane threats. Be it world-dominating attempts, terrible creatures, or simply a magic-borne illness. Whatever the case, he is safer in my presence, and we will face them, together."
She waved up into the bleachers, where her friends all sat in a row. "Though they will not marry him with me, legally, they are my best friends, and will become his. The former bearers of the Elements of Harmony are no small alliance to have."
Rarity nudged Applejack lightly. "If she had asked, I might have agreed. As... strange as he can be, he really is a noble, and a gentlepony. I could do far worse."
Applejack hiked a brow at her friend. "Ah huh... Ya do know that'd mean you were hitched with Twilight too, right?"
"I could do far worse," repeated Rarity with a refined smile. "Poor mare could do with my calming presence."
Mayor Mare cleared her throat and Twilight got the clue. "Laud, select me. We will fight for the good of our people, together." She dipped her head, her wings slipping out in the motion before they pulled back in tight and she trotted from the podium, falling back to all fours.
"We will conclude with Bon Bon." She nodded towards the last of the competitors and clopped politely as Bon Bon stepped up onto the podium.
"Hello. Humans, ponies, and others. I am a mare of many talents." Her voice was calm and even. She rose up on two legs as Twilight had done, balancing easily. "I am proficient in a number of fighting styles, a few of which Laud experienced directly. I have crossed hooves with him. We spilled one another's blood." The crowd murmured, some confusion rising with the tact Bon Bon was taking. "And I feel I have gained a better understanding of him through it. I know he understands my strength." She drove her forehooves together. "He is charged with protecting us."
She turned to the side. "Though we hope this will be a matter of peace and negotiation, this is an uncertain world in an even more uncertain universe. Conflict will come that honeyed words alone will not resolve." She suddenly thrust a hoof at Laud. "I will fight for and with you when those times come. I was the only one to get his full measure before considering accepting him. This is not a time for naivety. The entire world depends on how we act, and that deserves a gravity and consideration equalling it."
Bon Bon slammed her hooves onto the podium, her bright bi-color mane jiggling with the motion in an adorable way that didn't match her serious words. "Besides being a chef, I know how to haggle, how to forge contacts, and how to get things done." She waved at the remains of the steak, largely eaten by Paul. "That was not sourced in Equestria, as if a pony would stock it. Even its preparation required a willingness to step outside of one's comfort zones. This marriage, whomever is chosen, will not be comfortable."
Her serious expression softened. "This is why I have a partner. She was one of the first ponies to trot up to him, eyes shining with curiosity. We are a team, and a fine one I dare say. She is the softness, and I am the edge. We will service our stallion well and see that his dreams are fulfilled. The unknown will come to us, and we will face it; with curiosity, care, and diligence." She turned to face Laud. "You know my strength. Take it for your own. I will not hide behind you. We will fight as warriors, side-by-side."
Lyra waved frantically, miming popping something into her snout, chewing, and rubbing her belly with a big grin.
"As Lyra is trying to remind me, I also make the best candies this side of Canterlot. While a fine perk, I don't believe the choice to marry should be made on the quality of a mare's candies. Not that it hurts!" She coiled on herself and pulled out a small wrapped candy just like the ones on her cutie mark. "Sweet and sour, just like some of my most popular creations. I promise to be a well-rounded and ready mare for my stallion, to face the challenges ahead without flinching."
She gestured in the direction of her store. "Of course, there is the matter that I have experience with operating a business. I will lend my knowledge and view with my stallion's position. We will need to oversee the economy of the exchange between humans and ponykind, and my skills will be put to the test for his benefit."
"I am ready for it." Bon Bon bowed with all the formality that any of the human soldiers had displayed, echoing the motion quite well before she fell to all fours and trotted free of the podium.
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Typos redacted.
I would not want to be the one making this choice.
If only politicians today were this polite. Twilight's speech was really strong, but Bon Bon had a good one, too. I had to laugh at Rarity's comments, though.
cue
she pulled
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8973736
8973757
Typos stricken from the record.
8973797
Twilight's presentation was riddled with typos! Clearly her other duties as Princess have taken a toll on her. How then can she justify shouldering the additional burden of royal consort to Laud? Clearly Lyra and Bonbon/Sweetie Drops are better suited to the role, which would also allow Twilight to fulfill her duties as an Element of Harmony and occasional advisor in matters of state and trade with the hyooomyns.
8973911
Are you implying she wasn't prepared for this?
As much as Lyra is intriguing in this story, she choked up and chickened out at a critical moment. In a political marriage into a wider galaxy, that could prove.... dangerous. Twilight has extensive diplomatic experience and can help deal with any Inquisition. Plus Laud and Twilight already have an understanding about what their roles would be. And I don't know much about the religion Laud ascribes to, but I also doubt they would enjoy hearing about polygamy in the case of Bon Bon and Lyra.
It's still a tough decision regardless and should be relatively entertaining regardless.
Lyra forgot one quote. To Paul, in English. And just like Laud, unlike Twilight. I am disposable.
Apparently Twilight missed that bit when going through her exhaustive research in Human and House behaviour.
8973968
No real thoughts on Bon Bon's qualifications?
Is anyone going to mention that bon bon is also special pony forces
Hm, I am between Twilight and BonBon.
As the later mentioned, Lyra was the first who approached him in a friendship like manner, but Instead of pointing that out as her advantage she let it slide and once more BonBon had to aid her. Though Lyra made it clear that there shouldn't be more at the very beginning than friendship. Something Laud already noticed himself, what makes it look like she involved herself in this old-fashioned "battle for your stallion" not only out of her free will, but because her hoof was forced.
It doesn't really speak for her.
And BonBon may have pointed out that she is the "edge" that completes Lyra's "softness", but that can easily be read by the less benevolent kind as "Lyra can't do much without BonBon backing her up", what weakens the unicorn's position even further. And her position as a noble isn't really something that makes her too special either in terms of influence when confronted with others outside of Equestria who will see themselves on the same level, if not above her, still.
As for Twilight herself, she is a sovereign princess, a fully-fledged ruler, period. That alone gives her, as she said, a massive advantage when it comes to politics. People with influence, especially old-fashioned nobles and ruler of other countries, races, parties, houses, whatever else, will be more willing to work with an official and well-respected ruler than "beings of lesser status who married themselves into power". On the national like international level her title will most likely serve her well. Something BonBon nor Lyra can compete with. As well as with Twilight's ressources, be it providing advice, informations or help. The only thing that may compromise her position in the humans' eyes is her clear magic-focused way to solve her problems, but she was honest enough in this regard to point it out that it was a part of her and understands that magic is a delicate topic so that she wants to teach them all about it to take this fear away. I guess she reacted in this manner on Lyra's slight jab in her direction when she said that some prefer to choose the "easy way".
BonBon explained her stand in all honesty as well and can relate to Laud from a "soldier to soldier" point of view. She states it as the obvious that she and Lyra are the whole package for Laud, so there it remains to be seen how the humans will judge this whole polygamy thing the duo advertises so freely. The amusing part for me was when she started to speak straightly without sugarcoating what can/will happen, especially the part about forging contacts gave Applejack as the Element of Honesty probably more than a bad taste in her mouth, but it showed that she isn't beneath "doing what needs to be done". Something not really many ponies could claim for themselves, who clinge to their ideals how they wish the world SHOULD be. BonBon isn't this naive and takes reality as it is, a trait that makes her a powerful ally with many talents when shit hits the fan and others are well over their heads with the situation at hand/hoof, because their world view simply doesn't include such scenarios.
8974006
I have two thoughts. While Bon Bon does have some more covert experience from the bits I have picked up so far, it could be a boon or a drawback. A boon because she would look at things in a very critical eye and help prevent agents from sabotaging things easily. But she already isn't a fan of Laud or humans in general and that can color her perceptions and possibly provide false positives. She is also fairly intelligent and is knowledgeable of the law. But her occupation as a candy maker would have nothing to do with the law and very, very few in any culture like studying law codes. It points to her intelligence and possibly having an understanding of where to look in the first place. Other intelligence agents would take that as a sign that she is more than she lets on.
Overall, somewhat neutral with limited positives and slightly more negative drawbacks in my opinion
8974049
8974121
Part of me wonders if you two are aware she is also a secret agent or not.
8974144
Of course I am aware, that is why I said she has a more reality based stand that makes her more reliable for the humans than was they saw otherwise from most Ponies, of course it remains to be seen how much of her "secret job" she will practice when close to Laud, but that is something I am not sure she should try. Humans are much more unforgiving when it comes to spies, what makes them a lot more dangerous than the common pony or others.
I can see a marriage with Twilight invariably becoming one with Rarity too. Don't believe any of the others would get into it, though.
8974144
I figured she was, I have not read the story in sometime, been rereading a different one where she has near the opposite personality as opposed to your version of her
8974181
I'm working from show canon. I try to when I can.
8974184
Not a problem, not everyone does, and I will admit I don't watch the show anymore. Keep it up though, I have been enjoying your story.
Indeed Twilight's position feels like a lovely logistical arrangement. "I'll do it because it benefits the world and you could use a girl like me for all the paperwork."
Meanwhile the other side leans more toward the emotional needs, in addition to harmonizing each other's strengths.
It's a tough call either way.
Keep going! ;)
Am I the only one tripping over the fact that by marrying twilight, laud would legally be best friends with twilights friends? Is this some obscure thing or is that implying a 'best friends forever' relationship between the mane 6 in this story?
I have to admit, this story is feeling less and less "pony" to me. I'm not entirely sure why, though. In fact, I had a bunch of words on the subject that I ultimately deleted because I wasn't sure where I was going with them.
I'll settle on this, then. If anything like this happened on the show, love would be the answer and the question. The contest wouldn't even be won by whoever "loves him more"; its results, if it was even completed, would be thrown out for one reason or another. Even having the competition would be controversial, and someone would be clearly in the wrong for bringing matters to that point.
So am I just missing all the heightened emotion around one pony forcing another into this contest in an attempt to be with the man she loves, pitting friends against each other and threatening to leave two people in a loveless marriage if she fails? Or is just about everypony present on board with doing things the alien way?
8974363
I'm not sure how I can answer this without spewing vague spoilers from my unshaped mind.
Every person involved has reacted in a way logical to themselves. Twilight deferred to her mentor, then defended her ability to do just that, even when offered a 'way out', because that is what Twilight does.
Bon Bon is employing the law and attacking aggressively, as her profession has taught her. The consequences are of little consideration at this stage. Her marefriend has been infringed upon and she will see this mission succeed!
Lyra is really the one here who is the most 'pony'. She makes appeals to friendship as a guiding principle, and has made it clear that she failed as a friend, and has promised to be a better one, even if they never, you know, get married. She has also shown the most hesitation about the whole thing. She doesn't want a big spectacle for the hoof/hand of her would-be stallion.
Judging by how Twilight's been this season, she is not a good choice for marriage here. Jumping too conclusions (Marks for Success), Poor judgement (Non-Compete Clause), Gives up too easily, Too strickly by the book (School Daze). Neglects her duties for dumb reasons (Fake it till You Make It). Forgets the importance of honesty and too obsessed with pleasing certain ponies. ( Horse Play) Willing to steal from other cultures and ignores her dutie toward friendship. (My Little Pony Movie) Season 8 hasn't been too kind to Twilight.
Besides, her being princess shouldn't matter because she's not a Princess Princess.
Better go with Lyra and Bon Bon, if you want to stay within canon, they are a better choice than Twilight.
8974379
Well, I wasn't really expecting an answer. Just sharing some worry about the direction the fic has taken. I'm still reading!
Good speeches.
The way I see it, if he picks Lyra and Bonbon he'll still get most or all of the benefits Twilight mentioned. As if she could resist consolidating their laws or talking her head off about magic to anyone willing to listen, pfft!
It's not like they'll never talk to each other again. She also won't just drop out of politics.
I stumbled upon your story late last week, and have caught up to this point. This struggle between Lyra/BonBon and Twilight has left with me an overall bad taste. I can't see either of the two being truly happy at the end of all this. I feel that if Twilight would be the greatest outcome. Though love has a low chance to flourish in this marriage, It can be relationship built on mutual respect for the aid the other provides. Twilight has been personally trained in politics and can hold her cool in dire situations proven by her previous exploits of heroics. The greatest disadvantage for Twilight politicly is the Church do to how she views magic as a force of nature that all can use like any other tool and how she uses it for everyday tasks. This disadvantage is rendered moot when the Church would already be on the edge of calling a full inquisition on the entire planet do to every species openly practicing heretical magic in some form or another. As for Lyra, she would have the hardest time to adjust. She is trying to marry a politician, and she said herself that she left the game behind her. She has also shown that she can't assess the political environment that's going on around her. This trait is an absolutely critical flaw that could cause serious damage to Laud's, Bon Bon's, or/and Her own reputation (not alone lives if the situation is dire). Her inability to judge the current political atmosphere is only worsened by her naive carefree nature and transparent manners of speech. All a rival politician has to do is have his own wife speak with Lyra personly, and then goad her into talking about important information that could be detrimental to the Hawkwood's reputation or even claims on planets. This would most definitely happen when the world at stake is one full of vital resources and sapient lifeforms of such power and scale that they could be seen as a great source of labor or as a universal threat. At that level, Lyra would become the knife that would stab Laud in the back. Even Bon Bon wouldn't be able to protect her or Laud at that point. No matter how resourceful Bon Bon is she isn't the one that is going to be intimate with Laud, meaning that she won't be able to prevent Lyra from knowing such things nor would she be able to hide them from the entire universe that would be watching for even the smallest crack. The only way to prevent this is to have Lyra taught in the art of politics. This would sadly force Lyra to lose her naivety and carefree wonderings. With the stakes as high as they are, the pressure for her to learn all this would be paramount. A pressure that drove her from politics in the first place.
this is the end of my wall of text,
Pawn-Z
Logic or emotion, though call but cant say I know Laud well enough to guess who he's going to pick just yet.
8974363
What pisses me off, is the fact that Twilight is being a shithead. She's always had this "idol worship" thing going on for Celestia, and that's the root of this problem. She's willing to give up her happiness, and DEPRIVE two OTHERS of said happiness, all because she can't think for herself. It seems like she's back at the point where she won't talk unless Celestia shoves her hoof up her ass to MAKE her talk, like a sock puppet.
8973968
Twilight clearly can't think or speak for herself, as we've witnessed for the last several chapters. That's MORE dangerous.
Twilight doesn’t seem to have a problem with that. Heh, you should see Starlight “Magic Makes Right” Glimmer.
well i say we are at a tie.
the first round was Lyra and Bonbon (just)
the second round in Twilight all the way.
this is going to be fun to watch play out.
I wonder, there is any reason that would stop Twilight to join the Herd?
I mean , if Laud can marry two, then he can marry three.
Dangit, they all made really good cases, I can't decide.
My vote is for Lyra/Bon Bon. Twilight is purely doing this for a political marriage and has already mentioned that she is only doing this because she was asked by Celestia and wanting to save face by defending herself. She doesn't really have any emotional investment in this endeavor and all of the benefits she mentioned providing such as outreaching to other societies is something she is already obligated to do because of her title regardless of whether a ring is involved.
Lyra and Bon Bon on the other hand, connect much more emotionally to Laud. While Lyra has her own flaws, she genuinely wants to marry him, even if she would rather have avoided the spectacle. But despite that, she has gone through with her fear and issued the challenge in the public eye. She also has political power, even if she doesn't exercise it much and it is lesser than Twilight's. And Bon Bon's duality that she brings to the relationship counters many of the flaws Lyra brings to make a more complete package and she is the first one to actually test and acknowledge Laud's soldier side while Twilight only focused on the noble aspect and Lyra connected to his personal side. Separate they don't match Twilight, but together, they more than make up for their own shortcomings.
This isn't even getting into how a reliance on magic would spark distrust around other humans. Lyra gets major props there for using other methods despite being well trained enough that she can assist with the Equestrian side of things.
8979584
Like I said, Twilight's being a shithead, and only going on with this so she doesn't "fail" Celestia.
Here I was, composing a comment pointing out "naivety" as a typo, when I decided to Google it first. It's the British spelling of "naïveté."
The cooking competition sounds like something Food Network would do. Cookin' for Love.
I totally agree with the comments saying that Twi is in this competition for the wrong reasons.
Edit--My reply to the next chapter: :-P