Looking For Luna

by CapriciousCapricorn

Chapter 6: Welcome To Canterlot

The path to Canterlot had been paved with kind ponies. Before I had parted with Trixie several days ago, she had kindly offered me some spare provisions she had. It wasn’t much, just a well-worn saddle bag and a spare map. I hadn’t known where I would go until I pressed Trixie for details about the larger cities on the map. Trixie mentioned that Canterlot was known for its massive libraries and for being a center of culture, learning and magic. If I had any hope of surviving in this new world, I needed to understand the rules and bodies of power that influenced it.

It wasn’t until I had nearly reached the city that I discovered it was the new capital and seat of Celestia’s power. I had tried to mentally prepare myself for what I might see. The city would be not only a reflection of my sister’s power, but also the type of leader she was. I felt that vanity, pride, and shortsightedness had been my elder sister’s greatest weaknesses. Anticipating the worst, I expected to see effigies and other dedications to Celestia, her face visible from every street corner, and her colors reflected across the city. I was not prepared for what Canterlot had to offer.

The buildings were grand and were graced with intricate details that highlighted their exteriors. The city was teeming with life and culture: it appeared to be ingrained in every walkway and arch. The ponies themselves were adorned in jewels and strange yet beautiful garments. The paths were flanked by delicate flora and well-maintained shrubbery. The last time I had really been in Equestria, paved pathways had only been considered. The resources required had been deemed too costly, but it was clear no expense had been spared for the capital.

I spun about trying to appreciate it all; it was all so breathtaking.

A nearby store front caught my eye and I couldn’t help but trot forward for a better look. My eyes widened with delight as I stared at the wonderful items within. The display was clearly intended for a toy store. Just beyond the window pane, lustrous red velvet lined the display. Fluffy stuffed toys with glittering glass eyes seemed to smile back at me. Around the perimeter, a small train happily puffed, its movement clearly fueled by some unseen magic. As I started to back away, I froze as I locked eyes with a pony I wasn’t familiar with.

It took me several seconds to realize that I was looking at my own reflection. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment and left me feeling rather foolish. I wasn’t quite used to my new appearance. I had always taken my sapphire blue irises for granted.

My coat was a frosty shade of blue but my mane was still a dark sapphire, a bolt of silver cutting through it. I hadn’t quite adjusted to my honey gold eyes and was always startled when I didn’t see the sapphire irises I had always taken for granted. My cutie mark now was a crescent moon with a small droplet hanging off the tip, several small stars, and three wavy clouds. I had even gone so far as to cut my mane and tail, disposing of my sacrificed hair in a nearby river. Hopefully, they would make their way to the Celestial Sea and give any of my pursuers the impression that I was somewhere in that area.

With a sigh, I returned my focus to my task. I needed to locate a library or some other location that held historical documents and magical spells. A particularly loud voice caught my attention, a pink mare with a rather pointed muzzle was talking to a rather dapper stallion and his marefriend. I trotted towards them, doing my best to look confident, friendly, and polite.

“Pardon me, this is my first time in Canterlot. Would you be able to direct me towards the library?” The pink mare recoiled, leaning away from me with a look of disgust. The ponies she had been speaking to raised their eyebrows and looked at one another quickly. They took several steps back and appeared to be relieved by my interruption. I had waited politely for a pause in their conversation, yet everypony seemed startled, or rather offended, by my presence. Had I said something strange?

“Do you know who I am?” The pink mare said with contempt, an undisguised sneer on her lips.
“No, but I am-” I replied a bit nervously.

“I don’t want to hear your pitiful excuse.” The pink mare snapped. The couple she had been talking to took the opportunity to excuse themselves quietly and left. “It would make sense that somepony like you wouldn’t have any idea who I am.” She took a menacing step forward.

“Somepony like me? What do you mean by that?” Her question only seemed to anger the mare further. As far as I could tell she was dressed like any other peasant I had seen drifting about the city. What made her so special?

“A simple-minded pony who is clearly unaware of her own social standing.” The mare took another step towards her. “I am Spoiled Rich, wife to Filthy Rich, one of the wealthiest business ponies in Equestria. This necklace is worth more than anything you’ve ever held in your disgusting hooves.” Spoiled Rich’s voice grew louder as she spoke. I took a step back, feeling rather uncomfortable in her presence.

“Excuse me, what’s going on over here?” a new voice broke into the conversation. A stallion came out from the building behind us. He had a light orange coat with a cyan mane with a pair of black goggles holding his voluminous mane back. He frowned as his eyes locked with Spoiled Rich’s. An expression flitted across her face for a moment before being replaced by a scowl.

“That would be none of your concern,” Spoiled snapped.

“That would be where you’re wrong,” he replied cooly. “It is, more or less, my business when loud ponies are screaming outside of my store and chasing away potential customers.” I couldn’t help but glance at the sign for “New Horizons.”

Spoiled looked taken back by his harsh words. There was an emotion on her face akin to being wounded, which lasted for only a few moments before being replaced by indignant rage. “What hard times you’ve fallen upon if ponies like this are your clientele. You’ve fallen far from Canterlot’s good graces, haven’t you? Regardless,” she continued as the stallion clenched his jaw, “someone of your status has no business speaking to me.” She turned her head away from him with her muzzle held high. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “After all, consider what effect my word could have on your little hobby shop,” she spat the words like an insult. “It could have a rather negative impact on your business.” The stallion, seeming to have recovered a bit of his composure, raised a single eyebrow before derisively snorting.

“Is that a fact? I thought someone in your position wouldn’t be so eager to keep making the same mistake.” Spoiled Rich’s head spun back towards him so quickly I was quite certain I heard her neck snap. “After all, it’s well known that you’re just an impetuous upstart who has been rather aggressively and abrasively taking Canterlot by storm; I can only imagine what sort of damage an incident like this could do to your social standing. Especially considering Impossibly Rich’s feelings towards you.” Spoiled Rich balked under the thinly veiled threat, her face becoming a bit pale. “Go home, Spoiled Rich. We all have better things to do with our time than deal with one of your contrived incidents.” From the way the mare opened and closed her mouth several times, it was clear she had something to say but thought better of it. Without another word she stormed away, shooting withering glares at the two ponies behind her.

“My name is Fresh Coat. What’s yours?” I jumped slightly. I had been focused on Spoiled Rich’s retreating figure. Fresh Coat stared at me with an outstretched hoof and a grin. I hadn’t wanted to continue the argument with Spoiled Rich, but the stallion had been equally brutal. I wasn’t sure if I should shake his hoof or smack it. Before I could reply, the clouds overhead gave a low rumble. “Err- Perhaps we could continue this conversation inside?”

⊰ ★ ⊱ ❈ ⊰ ★ ⊱ ❈ ⊰ ★ ⊱

“So your name is Dream Drop?” Fresh Coat asked, his head slightly tilted and a small smile on his lips. I nodded in response, munching on a daffodil and hay sandwich. The friendly stallion had been kind enough to offer me a snack while we waited out the storm, slowly but surely changing my opinion of him. The name was something I had thought of last minute. It seemed fitting since most of my spells were related to dreams and subconscious thought, not to mention the small water droplet on the moon of my cutie mark. I quickly swallowed and wiped my mouth with a nearby napkin.

“What exactly did you do to get Spoiled Rich all worked up like that?” Fresh Coat asked. A foreleg propped on a nearby counter as his head rested on his hoof.

“I’m not sure, to be honest. She was speaking with two ponies and I approached them to ask for directions to the nearest library. The couple she was with seemed polite enough, but Spoiled Rich seemed to only get more agitated even after they left.” Fresh Coat nodded his head. “Do you understand what I did to upset her?” I asked, hoping to gain some insight. Fresh Coat sat up and shrugged.

“To be honest, Spoiled Rich can get herself worked up over anything. If you don’t have status, money, or a skill she wants to take advantage of, she isn’t so great at keeping her temper in check.” He rolled his eyes. “Who was she talking to?”

“I’m not sure. They seemed nice enough and left while she was talking to me.” Fresh Coat nodded in response.

“Well, we’d better get going - the storm doesn’t look like it’s going to be letting up any time soon. I’m sure you want to get going to wherever you’re staying and rest. You look like you’ve had a long day.”

I grew silent and I felt my face grow a bit pale. My initial plan had been to go to the library and simply sleep there and erect some simple camouflage magic. With so many other ponies visiting the facilities and casting magic frequently, I had been sure they could cover my own use of magic. However, I had lost track of time sitting and talking with Fresh Coat. Already the sun had set and the street seemed to be well lit.

“This is your first time in the city, isn’t it?” Fresh Coat was looking at my face. His expression was an odd combination of concern, astonishment, and pity.

“Yes, I had just arrived in the city when I encountered Spoiled Rich. I figured that when I got here, I could just figure out a place to stay.” The last few words slowly died on my lips. It was better than it sounded; of this I was sure.

“Are you planning to stay in the city long?” Fresh Coat asked, his brow furrowed.

“Well, I had hoped to, but I should probably get going and look for a place to stay.” I smiled sheepishly. “You wouldn’t… happen to know of any good inns around here, would you?” I had assumed that if my first plan didn’t work, I could always just try and find a room at an inn or sleep beneath an invisibility spell. Fresh Coat’s concerned and horrified expression had me second-guessing myself.

“So I will just assume that you haven’t heard, then?” It was only then I began to learn of the consequences of “Nightmare Moon’s return,” and my adventures in Canterlot would officially begin.

Comments

[Doolally Loop]

Isn't there already a female pony called Fresh Coat in canon? I think she is that unicorn with the cap backwards in the episode "Spice up your life" when they redecorate the restraunt.