Tinker, Tailor, Pony, Spy

by Blade Star

Chapter 5

The next few days saw Elusive walking Tempest through some of the more crucial social rules that she would be required to follow come the ball. Every morning, the pair would meet up for lunch at the same restaurant in the hotel. The lessons consisted partly of Elusive giving Tempest useful advice, and partly Tempest trying to find out something more about Elusive, only for him to, as ever, give difficult to interpret non-answers. They began to form an odd sort of friendship. Tempest certainly didn’t feel quite so uneasy about her own curiosity and questions. It seemed to have developed into a little game between the two of them, and Elusive always seemed to win in the end.

The tailor also taught Tempest a few useful psychological tricks. He would point out ponies around them and use them as examples. It was little things really; eye contact, a smile that used certain muscles, and any other number of minutiae that would allow a powerfully built intimidating former soldier to come across as non-threatening and friendly. That, after all, was Tempest’s end goal. Whatever Luna’s motivations for inviting her, she did rather hope that leaving a good impression would go a long way to building a more positive reputation for herself. With that, doors that were previously shut might open up to her, and then she could begin to get on with her life.

Elusive still puzzled her, of course. Above all else, she couldn’t really understand why he was helping her as he was. He had nothing to gain from it, and being seen with someone like her would surely do little to improve his already chequered reputation. And while Twilight Sparkle might make the case for him being kind and performing a selfless act, Tempest didn’t buy that for a second. Elusive, secretive as he was, still revealed a portion of his personality to Tempest, and altruistic was not a word she’d use to describe him. She’d seen it from the moment they met. There was something about him that made her uneasy, like a cat toying with its prey before pouncing. Still, he had done nothing to alarm her and gave no hint of untoward intentions, so their friendship, built on a foundation of seemingly mutual suspicion, continued.

It was a few days later, after having made great strides in small talk, which, as far as Tempest could make out, was the skill of talking without saying anything of substance, Elusive brought up another topic for their lessons in Canterlot high society.

“You should know, my dear, Tempest,” he said, as he tucked into his sponge cake and coffee. “That smiling and being personable aren’t the only skills you’ll need for the princess’ little do. Tell me, how are your dancing skills?” Tempest looked up from her own food with some surprise.

“I don’t dance,” she replied in a deadpan tone. Elusive smiled in that coy way of his.

“Do not?” Elusive teased, leaning forward and resting his chin on his two front hooves. “Or cannot?”

“Will not!” Tempest answered with a growl. While she at times found him quite charming, when he found a possible weakness, Elusive could be damn annoying, shamelessly poking until he got a result.

Elusive, as he always did when he got a rise out of Tempest, merely chuckled.

“Well I’m afraid that’s going to have to change,” Elusive replied. “This is a formal event you’re going to. And it would be a shame for me to go to all the trouble of designing that dress for you that gives such an ease of movement, only for you to stand like a statue all evening.” Tempest narrowed her eyes at him at that little jab.

“Oh come now, what’s wrong with dancing, my dear?” he asked, now genuinely curious. “Surely you don’t believe that it’s stupid or some such nonsense. You certainly never struck as that kind of mare.”

“I don’t think that it’s stupid,” Tempest replied. “I just don’t think I’d be much good at it.”

Elusive let her remark hang in the air for a few moments. He had his poker face on. If he was surprised, saddened, curious, or even pitying, he didn’t show it.

“A curious position,” Elusive said eventually. “Considering you are already well practised in the same skill set.”

Now it was Tempest’s turn to look surprised. Elusive explained.

“You are an accomplished soldier, Tempest,” he said. “With remarkable skills when it comes to hoof to hoof combat. I have no doubt that you’d be able to wipe the floor with me.” Tempest wasn’t quite so sure on that front.

“But you’d be surprised,” he went on. “Just how much various martial arts and dancing have in common. Control of movement for instance. A fighter must always position themselves to protect themselves and attempt to attack their opponent, using their and their partners movements. A dancing couple uses each other’s motions and controls it, just as various martial arts do an incoming attack. Both mediums require good strength, balance, and posture. Even the footwork has some similarities to the way a fighter changes their stances. In my experience, ponies trained to defend themselves have something of an advantage when it comes to learning to dance.”

The notion had never occurred to Tempest. But reflecting on it, she could see merit in what Elusive said. What she knew of dancing did have some similarities. Of course, dancing was a cooperative effort, not combative, but he was right in that there were parallels.

“I take it from that look on your face that you’d be willing to try a lesson or two then?” Elusive asked, breaking in on her thoughts.

“Alright,” Tempest agreed with a nod. “Do you know any good instructors?”

“Well, there’s always little old me,” Elusive said, gesturing to himself.

“I thought you might say that,” Tempest said. For once, she actually managed to make Elusive look surprised. “You know your way in the world of high society, Elusive. Frankly, I’d be surprised if you didn’t know how to dance. I presume it helped you with your own fighting skills.”

Elusive didn’t smile as such, but he seemed rather pleased at the way Tempest had, if only for a moment, uncovered something about him he hadn’t intended to show.

“My dear Tempest,” he said approvingly. “There may be hope for you yet.”

---

Once upon a time, the ponies of Equestria may have shunned the night, choosing only to sleep when the sun slipped below the horizon and the moon rose into the sky to take its place. But in the modern world, Luna’s night was anything but neglected. Cities all across Equestria had a vibrant nightlife; clubs, bars, discotheques, and any number of other establishments had ponies out enjoying the night for all it was worth. And while Canterlot might be a little more restrained than say Manehattan or Las Pegasus, it too boasted quite the nightlife of its own. Among the offerings were several dance halls in the city, and it was to one of these that Elusive took Tempest after the pair had finished their breakfast. It was a fairly large affair; a former cinema that had been overtaken by the large multiplex a short distance away. Stripped of its seating, the three former screens made for decent, albeit modest dance halls. The old fashioned signage above the large multiple double doors advertised the various themed events and lessons on offer. At the moment though, it was closed. After all, it was still pretty early, even for the dance lessons that took place later on in the day.

“Here we are,” Elusive declared as they walked up to the building. “It may not be the grand ballroom of Canterlot Castle, but it should certainly be sufficient for our needs.”

“The place looks closed to me,” Tempest replied as she joined him. Elusive nodded.

“Indeed it is,” he agreed. “However, the proprietor has been a good customer of mine for a few years. I’m sure he won’t mind if we let ourselves in.”

Activating his magic, he lifted up a small, somewhat out of place stone that rested against the one doorway, in the corner. Turning it over revealed it to hold a small brass key, which Elusive plucked out and inserted into the lock.

“Er, is this legal?” Tempest asked, feeling a little uneasy as she kept a lookout for potential witnesses.

“As far as anypony knows, Tempest,” Elusive said, not turning around. ”We are just two lawful ponies going about their business. It only looks illegal if you stand there on watch. Act like you belong, and you’d be amazed what you can get away with.”

With that, he unlocked the door and ushered her inside. Again, Tempest wondered if she ought to not just take a walk and leave Elusive. Then again, the worst she could be charged with was civil trespass at this point.

Heading inside, Elusive followed before again taking point and leading her to one of the dance halls. Pushing open a pair of large wooden double doors that swing back several times after they passed through, the two of them found themselves in the large hall. The place could probably hold fifty to seventy ponies at a rough guess. On one side of the room, there was a bar, currently closed up, with a shutter pulled down along the bar itself. At the top end of the room was space for the band. Canterlot, being the capital, was hardly the place to settle for a phonograph and some speakers, now was it? Although, Tempest noted, there was one sitting on a desk, presumably for the dance class scheduled for later today. Up above on the ceiling were several large spotlights.

As the pair walked across the wooden tiled floor, the horseshoes echoed somewhat, emphasising the size of the room. Reaching the centre, Elusive spun around to face Tempest.

“Now, my dear,” he began. “I take it from our conversation that you are more or less a newcomer to dancing, are you not?” Tempest nodded.

“I didn’t even dance as a filly,” she replied.

“Well,” Elusive went on, clapping his front hooves together. “You’ll be glad to know that a simple waltz only asks you to remember six movements, and they all take place in a very small space. I’ll teach you both how to lead and follow. Given your stature, you may well find yourself leading a few young bucks come the soiree.”

He now stepped back a little to demonstrate.

“Alright, so to lead, you start like so. Then step forward with your left leg. Now bring your right forward to be parallel. Next, move your right legs so that your hooves touch. Then step back with your right, bring the left with it, and then bring your right leg to meet the left. Repeat ad nauseam, or at least until the music ends. Care to try?”

And so, Tempest started her lessons in dance. Elusive had been somewhat right in what he’d said. Contrary to her expectations, the movements didn’t feel as alien as she’d expected. It took a short while, but before too long, she’d gotten the hang of it, enough for Elusive to add himself to the equation.

“May I cut in?” he asked with a grin. “Here, take my right hoof in your left, and place your right hoof on my shoulder, just here.”

With a combination of hooves and magic, he guided Tempest into place.

“There, now you can lead the two of us. I’ll step to mimic your movements. Just step as before and guide me as you go.”

The pair began to silently dance for a few moments, with Tempest getting used to having a partner. Again, she saw some similarities as Elusive had suggested. The way she guided him as they moved was quite similar to how she would try to control an opponent in a fight, more so when it came to changing direction and moving in a circle together, and performing an underarm turn.

With the basics mastered, Elusive activated his magic and turned on the phonograph player that was sitting on the table. It began to play a classical piece, suitable for a waltz. With that, the pair began again, with Tempest still leading. She mused that she probably wasn’t performing a typical dance. After all, usually, it would be the stallion who would lead. But being a good head taller than Elusive even without her mohawk mane, it would look a little strange for him to lead, and possibly be a little difficult.

Still, she found it pleasant enough. She found herself wondering why she’d been so reticent about trying it earlier. While she was not yet smooth by any means, she wasn’t stepping on Elusive’s hooves either as they moved around the hall. She’d just had this impression of dancing requiring so much skill and memory, requiring far more time than she had to master. But after only a short while, she was able to talk with Elusive as they danced.

“You’re a quick study,” Elusive noted. “I’ve seen ponies take weeks to master even the most simple waltz.”

“Well you did say I had a head start,” Tempest replied.

“Nonetheless, it’s very surprising. How are you feeling about the upcoming soiree anyway?”

The pair continued to dance around the room, Tempest leading the smaller stallion, neither breaking eye contact.

“Prepared,” Tempest replied. “Honestly, that was what was freaking me out so much before. I never like to go into things blind. You’ve been a big help.”

“Oh I merely polished the coal into a diamond,” Elusive replied. “The gem itself was always there. It just needed to be brought out. I certainly didn’t need to teach you that wonderfully dry wit. You use humour as a shield most easily.”

“I figured it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to blast the first guy who looked at me funny into a wall. That might cause Luna’s birthday party to end a little early.”

Elusive chuckled at that and the pair continued in silence for a while. Tempest herself, though she was well practised in the art of not showing her true feelings (something that had stood her in good stead), actually had something on her mind. The invitation she had received to the ball, while addressed to her, did give her the option to bring a guest along. While it was far from essential, she couldn’t help but think that bringing along a date would help her seem a little bit more equine than the solitary figure many ponies were familiar with. And while she had no romantic intentions with Elusive, she couldn’t help but think that it might be a good thing to have him join her.

“You know, Elusive...” Tempest began, trying to carefully broach the subject.

“Hmm?” Elusive responded, his ears perking slightly.

“Speaking of the party, I was wondering...well, the ticket gives me the chance to bring somepony along with me and I was thinking that...”

“That it might be beneficial if I were to join you?” Elusive finished for her, grinning. “My dear Tempest, you can do a lot better than little old me. After all, as skilled a tailor as I am, I’m also rather persona non grata in many circles. And I would hate for some of the misinterpretations of my character to have an impact on you.”

“But you’ve been such a help to me,” Tempest replied. “Besides, Luna clearly likes you. She recommended you to me after all. And, truth be told, I’d be glad for your company. Even with all your help, it’s still going to feel a little strange at that party.”

Elusive, in response, did something Tempest was not expecting. Taking the lead from her, he spun her around, before pulling her close and , with no small amount of effort, dipped the larger mare, holding her as the song ended.

“Tempest,” he said sincerely. “You have nothing to worry about on that front. Armed with your new skills, you should be the belle of the ball. Having an ageing tailor, distrusted by everypony will only jeopardise your chances of success. And that is something I will not allow to befall one of my friends.”

This sudden revelation of what seemed to be Elusive’s innermost thoughts thoroughly caught Tempest off guard, particularly as she was still partly suspended in his grip. For only the second time since they’d first met, Tempest saw Elusive’s mask drop. He wasn’t toying with her, or playfully teasing. He meant every word of what he said.

“Besides,” he added, his tone now turning coy again. “I’ve never needed an invitation to get into Canterlot Castle.”

With that, he pulled Tempest back to her hooves and released her. Once again, he’d managed, with little effort, to set her mind whirring.

---

A couple of days later, and it was the eve of Princess Luna’s birthday celebration. Canterlot Castle was buzzing with activity. While the affair was indeed a far cry from the likes of the Grand Galloping Gala, or even Princess Celestia’s own birthday celebration, it still made for quite the show. The castle was lit up like a Hearth’s Warming tree and all along the main thoroughfare, ponies queued up to enter the castle and what was regarded as one of the more exclusive parties in Canterlot.

Whereas the elder alicorn’s celebration, like so many official functions, was more a political meetup than anything else, given her comparatively recent return from exile, and her well known intolerance for ponies that sought to curry favour with her for their own benefit, Luna’s birthday party was a more genuine affair. Ponies who the princess genuinely respected or admired were invited, not just the well to do. Indeed, the first year following her return had caused quite a stir, when the guest list for her first official function omitted a good many of the supposed movers and shakers within Equestria’s first city. In this regard, Tempest felt a little more at ease compared to if the invitation had come from Celestia. While the snow white alicorn had been just as forgiving as her younger sister, Luna’s own chequered past made her somewhat more relatable, in contrast to the seemingly perfect Celestia.

Still, Tempest was far from being at ease. In fact, the last time she recalled being this nervous was when she found herself facing judgement before the princesses. While execution was not on the cards tonight, all sorts of unpleasant thoughts ran through her mind. What if the guards would not permit her entry? What if ponies made a scene when she arrived? What if she said the wrong thing to the wrong pony or, Celestia forbid, offended Luna herself? These thoughts swirled around her mind as she stood in Elusive’s shop, while the tailor himself put the last finishing touches to her dress.

“There we go, my dear,” he said, stepping back slightly to admire his work. “I do believe I’ve outdone myself.”

Looking in the mirror, Tempest was inclined to agree with him. She’d been impressed enough when Elusive had given her a rough idea of what the finished dress would look like. But now that she was standing here, it really was something else.

As Elusive had envisioned, it was a long flowing thing, made of fine, light, silky material, deep blue in colour, not too dissimilar from Luna’s own coat. While the dress covered most of her body, her exposed forelegs and chest left on display by the plunging v-neck at the front highlighted the nice contrast between the dress itself and her coat. Meanwhile, on her hooves were a set of modest horseshoes of the same colour. Tempest hardly needed to wear heels after all.

Her mane too had been styled, courtesy of a friend of Elusive’s who ran a modest mane styling shop. Elusive had admitted that, while her mohawk did suit her quite well, something a little less brash was required. Her mane was now worn down, making her seem just a little shorter, and hung loose around her shoulders. That change alone made her less recognisable as the villainous Tempest Shadow.

Finally, to complete the ensemble, Elusive had kindly loaned her a necklace, supposedly a gift from a customer at one time or another. A silver chain, at the end of which hung a modestly sized sapphire. According to Elusive, this went quite well with her eyes.

Tempest found herself staring at her reflection in the three mirrors set up in Elusive’s dressing room, showing her from the front and slightly to each side. She turned around a couple of times, examining herself from every angle. She still found it hard to believe the mare in the mirror was actually her.

“Are you alright, Tempest?” Elusive asking, sounding slightly concerned. Tempest snapped out of her reverie.

“Oh, yes, fine,” she replied. “Sorry. I guess I’m just not used to seeing myself like this. It feels a bit strange.”

“You look positively radiant, my dear,” Elusive assured her. “And I know that you will have a wonderful evening. Just relax, and enjoy it. The butterflies you’re feeling will be gone before you know it.”

Tempest couldn’t help but laugh at that. She’d been in dozens of battles the past few years, and lived through many frightening experiences. And yet it was now, going to some frou-frou ball that her knees were knocking and her heart was going a mile a minute. Turning around, she faced Elusive.

“I really appreciate you doing all of this for me, Elusive,” she said kindly. “Hard to believe that a week ago we didn’t even know each other.”

It was true. Over the past week, Tempest had spent much of her time with the strange unicorn tailor, possibly more than she had even with Twilight. The odd friendship that had formed as a result had been something of a bright spot for Tempest in her otherwise dim prospects.

“The pleasure, my dear Tempest, is mine,” Elusive answered, offering a slight bow. “Now, while I may not be your date for the evening, permit me to be a gentlecolt for a moment, and escort you to your carriage.”

---

Elusive was as good as his word and led Tempest out to the square in front of his shop. The district was reasonably quiet at this point in the evening, with most shops closed for the night. This made it a little easier for the modest dog cart Tempest had engaged to make its way through the narrower streets. It was no great stagecoach, nor was it a chariot pulled by the elite Royal Guard, but it suited Tempest well enough. The small, partly open cart had a canvas roof to keep most of the weather out and the two large wheels gave a comfortable enough ride, even on the cobbled side streets.

Like so much of her evening, part of this had been provided by Elusive. He was apparently on good terms with the cabbie who was pulling the dog cart and, in spite of Tempest’s insistence, had pitched in with the fare. While she would hardly be arriving in the grandest of style, she was hardly pitching up on the simplest of transports. Taking her hoof, Elusive helped Tempest aboard and saw her settled into her seat for the short journey.

“Good luck now, Tempest,” he said kindly. “And do give my regards to our mutual friend.”

With that, Tempest set off for Canterlot Castle. It was a short drive, but long enough for the butterflies in her stomach to make a brief return. She did her best to relax herself, recalling Elusive’s counsel to try and enjoy herself. The old tailor had taught her well in their comparatively brief time together, and as she wound her way up the hill, she found herself putting on her own mask for the evening. It wasn’t really that dissimilar to her real personality. But with Elusive’s help, she had improved her conversational skills, was up on all the current local gossip within the nobility, and improved her self-confidence no end. All in all, she was set to make quite the impression.

As the dog cart climbed the last hill, the glittering spires of Canterlot Castle came into view, silhouetted by the full moon that hung fairly low and large in the sky. She soon found herself in a convoy of other carriages of all shapes and sizes, queueing up to the entrance to offload their passengers. Looking ahead, Tempest spotted a few influential ponies she recognised. Chief among these was Fancy Pants, one of the more respected and well liked nobles in the city. He stood in sharp contrast to Prince Blueblood in the carriage behind. While he was by no means the worst Canterlot high society had to offer (that honour, according to Elusive, went to Jet Set and Upper Crust), he was well known as one of several key detractors when it came to Tempest’s somewhat controversial pardon.

Tempest had little time to reflect on these two very different ponies however, as soon it was her turn. There was a brief moment of surprise as the two guards helping guests down from their vehicles recognised her. But, to their credit, after confirming that she was indeed on the guest list, they helped her down as they had any other pony. Tempest hoped that this would be an indicator of things to come, as she made her way inside the castle, following the procession of other ponies to a large ballroom that was to host the celebrations.

Comments

[Jade Dawn]

This is going to go completely fine. Absolutely fine...

[Minevera]

Every time I read this right now I'm hearing Andrew J. Robinson's voice coming straight from Elusive.
You get an internet cookie if you know which role.

[harts fire]

this is looking really good.

[Blade Star]

10895490 I definitely hear him when writing the character too.