> Minstrel of Madness > by Tangisir_Sekeolath > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Setting the Stage > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "For some, the division of Equestria, or the Schism, was a way to push their own agenda. For some, it was a chance to start over or simply time for a new leader to step up to the throne without change. In truth, it doesn't matter who's right in the end for their ideas, simply matters how you live. Spilling blood, slave labor, forcing ideas and agaendas on others? Simply unforgivable. So, what is the answer to fix these issues? "Why, it's simple, truly simple. The Cult of Laughter. No political reforms, no forcing ideas upon others. Simply a land full of smiles and laughs, a land of pleasure despite the pleasures being dark or not. After all, nothing truly kills a party like someone attempting to ruin the fun. So long as one smiles in the end, they've won. Sure, it's your blood everywhere and your body losing warmth, but your world was full of joy and you could still smile in the end." Taken from the scroll of a mad stallion, Itov 'V' Star It was a rather average day in Equestria since the Divide. The Houses for the most part kept up their fighting and subtle spying. Be it a skirmish between Earthborne and Moon and Stars, or House Whitegold attempting to sneak a pony into House Moon and Stars, or whatever their target was beyond simply being a massive cycle that never ceases. Lie, blackmail, extort, profit and avoid open combat to keep their reputation rather high. Can't have rogues telling tales of House Whitegold forces robbing caravans they've been paid to protect to supply a failing city. Nothing more then snakes in the grass truly. As for House Everfree and Stormwing, probably busy fighting over natural weather from the forest and artificial pegasi controlled weather. Heh, such foolish reasons to fight. Though outside of those facts, it was a rather good day to be out and about. Warm and bright, clouds barely covering the sun and there was a slight breeze. Enough to casually move the manes of those who were simply enjoying the sights or maybe curled up somewhere, trying to suppress the sad truth that life since the Schism has been rather....depressing to say the least. There were even a few foals playing, simply enjoying the simplistic joys of being a child. Ranging from games of tag to maybe mock fighting for the rougher of foals. It was enough to actually bring a few of the sadder guards to a small smile, thinking back to simpler times when the Princesses ruled the land, maybe back when they had a sweetheart or that lovely innocence associated with childhood. Even those who were out and about, roving the roads and paths between every city on the ground, along the sea and possibly even below the ground, secrets plans being planned out, things were at least good or enjoyable. For the recovering town of Trotsdale, a mostly Earth pony town bordering the Earthborn lands, things were slightly worse. Being small and barely able to support itself, it was merely a matter of time before it started to look for aid or died out. It's only resource would be ponies for soldiers, nothing more. Luckily it wasn't a part of Earthborn, so they could receive aid from anywhere, whilst still serving no real strategic use. Well, unless you're the Tribes of the Everfree or the Cult. Forest off to either side, a small farm at the entrance to the town, and a rather pitiful excuse of a fence to stave off whatever land based beast comes from the forest. Be it a blessing or curse, something was coming to brighten up their day. A traveling bard if one were to ask him, yet surely that wasn't the truth. Maybe it was the overly bright teal eyes he had, that odd sly smile, as if he was in on some joke nopony else knew. Might even be his offer of cheering up the ponies of this town via his craft. Stories and poems, maybe even a bit of music, depending on if he could get a bit of good Earth pony cider. Not often a Unicorn could get a hold of genuine Earth pony cider nowadays. Once these requirements were met, the odd plum purple Unicorn stood out from all the town folk for many reasons. Outside of the obvious he was a plum purple Unicorn with extremely bright teal eyes, his attire was rather unique, at least when compared to those around him. Where the simple folk of Trotsdale wore nothing or plain brown cloaks to help cover them up in case they wished to be rather warm, he wore a set of robes with what seemed to be rolled up scrolls attached to it, and it seemed to be lined with crimson silk, a rather stylish combination with the navy blue exterior of the robes. Some may wonder who he was to have such an outfit, others would care more what this stranger had to say. "Ahem!" The stranger finally spoke, smiling kindly as he looked through the crowd. "I'm here for a simple reason my dear ponies, I simply can't stand to see such unwarranted sadness. As such I'm her-" "Oi, what makes you think you can call our sadness unwarranted? We're running out of food, the beasts of the forest are trying to tear our humble village apart, and you're here calling our sadness unwarranted? Screw you!" An off colored blue stallion with a darker blue mane spoke up, seemingly pissed with the stranger and his seemingly condescending tone. "Well, maybe if you'd let me finish," His voice went from bright and cheery to annoyed and a slightly dark tone. "You'd know. I, Itov Star, am here to share with you folk a few stories and poems. I'd even offer a few songs I've learnt whilst serving as a traveling bard, but your little outburst has definitely soured the mood for me." Itov looked throughout the crowd, noting the hopeful looks he received. Seemed this town has lived without joy for quite some time, something that absolutely must be changed! "Now, how about a little poem to start us off my dear fellows? Bit of a warm up for me, and you'll be one of the first groups I've ever spoke this to." He smiled brightly, reassuring some whilst worrying others It's never really good when a stranger spoke as if he was close or cared about a group of strangers, especially during these trying times. "Come, now all who wish to listen, lend me your ear. I'll not repeat myself whilst presenting my work, so please," He held his hoof up to his muzzle. Some sort of sign to quiet down. "Be quiet and listen to my words." Now, some have asked me my secret On how I manage to keep my smile To which I always laugh and tell them they've over thought it I have no secret for a smile that can last a mile! I merely have a small bit of advice Find joy in everything you do Every sin, every screw up, every vice So long as it brings a smile to you! After all, who doesn't miss those days of old Where smiles were warm and bodies weren't cold? Throughout the years, the definition of joy has changed. Be it for living another day, achieving a goal, or simply having everything arranged. In such maddening times, who can truly be called deranged? The Unicorn supremacists and their slave armies? The greedy group of liars and traitors and how they appear to be so charmy? Maybe it's the war machine upon your borders Who's ideology towards other races bring much disorder. Maybe the noble guides of the sky Have some dark secret to hide? The rule of nature and all it has created With a few simple rules such as how all things in the end are related? Maybe the mysterious Cult of Laughter Whose passing tends to always end in disaster? In the end do these things truly matter When any day it may be your blood that shall splatter All across your land, spilt on nothing more than a command. I say to you, my dear fellow At the end of the day who's ideology will you bellow? Shall you call for magic to be erased Or will those claims with lies be laced? Do your eyes lay amongst the stars Shall you protect such beauty from being marred? Will you search for joy amongst sorrow Or will you fight on with honor and pure power? No matter the choice, I'll inform you of my choice through your ear that I've borrowed For that is simply how my thoughts flower. At the end of the day, it matters not what you choose So long as you can find something to smile about, with or without booze For in the end, joy is the true gift With which your spirits I'll try to uplift For I'm a spreader of pleasure And every smile brings me joy without measure Itov smiled shyly, taking a small bow. His horn glowing softly as he removed a scroll from his robes, opening it with a small smile. "I call that little piece, Poem of Joy, yes yes, I know. So uncreative, yet it gets the point across, no?" "No, it don't. I'm a bit confused!" Remarked what seemed to be a young, yellowish Earth pony, probably a teen wearing some odd hat. A stetson, or whatever most folk tended to call them nowadays. "Ey pardner, Appaloosa's that a way." Itov flicked his head, horn pointing behind him as a few chuckles rippled across the small crowd of about twenty ponies, mostly Earth ponies, though it seemed a small Unicorn filly had wormed her way into the group. "Well, my fellows. I take it you enjoyed it a bit, else you'd probably have left by now!" He grinned, showing off his teeth as he looked around. His horn glowed a soft teal as he reattached his scroll, chuckling softly. Things seemed to be going smoothly for this Minstrel. Free cider for a few poems and stories not to mention easing the small group for what was to come. "So, any recommendations for a story my dear audience?" Itov called out, messing with his robes before looking up into the sky. It seemed to be roughly evening. The sky was darkening to a rather nice orange with hints of blue poking out. Sunset was coming, and with that night time. The perfect time to stroke. "How about you make up story mister?" The Unicorn filly spoke up, smiling at Itov with wide eyes. "Hmm...make up a story? I could try and give that an attempt I guess for you good folk." Itov smiled, looking down at the cute little pink unicorn filly. "Mind if I ask your name dear? I'd love to know for whom I make this story for." "Strawberry Burst!" Strawberry squeaked, proudly smiling as if she did something impressive. It's somewhat odd how foals always made themselves proud over the silliest things. "Well Strawberry, I'll make up a story for you then." Itov chuckled softly, sitting down as he gestured for the crowd to come closer. By this point the crowd has grown by a few, one of which was Strawberry's mother. "Long before the days of the Schism, before the wars fought by the Houses for their own agenda, times were peaceful. Ponies of all races and for the most part status, could laugh and play together. Festivities were common and smiles were all around. Back then, the leaders of the Houses, and one who sadly died around the time of the Schism, were all friends. The best of friends. Yet this story focuses not on them, but another pony, Punch Line. "Punch Line was your average, run of the mill Pegasus. She had a blonde mane and matching tail, just barely reaching her back and stopping above her knees. Her coat was a dark forest green and her eyes were a lovely royal purple. As one could probably guess from her name, she was a bit of a joker. This is her cutie mark story." Itov fidgeted slightly a bit nervous. By the Laughing Mare, he wasn't quite that creative on the spot, yet how could he refuse that little filly's request. "It was a bright and sunny day in...Las Pegasus. The sun was shining bright and there wasn't a cloud in the sky to block it out or cover up the lovely blue shade of the sky. Though sadly on this day, the foals were a bit unable to completely enjoy the day, all thanks to school! "On this day, Punch Line was in her class amongst the other twenty or thirty ponies in her class, learning from their teacher, Miss Flower. They were learning something about the founding of Equestria or something. Honestly she didn't know or very much care. Day in, day out, they did nothing but learn and the one time a day they go out to play in the playground. It wasn't enough and she had to find something to amuse herself with. "Now, the one thing you should know about Miss Flower is that she wasn't a very humorous mare. Sure, she had her moments, everypony did. Yet she was a bit of a mood killer if you actually asked anyone. That simply wouldn't stand, not anymore. Punch Line made it her mission to see her giggle and laugh like a school filly! "It started innocently enough, extremely innocent enough. A pun here or there. Sure, they weren't really good due to not being punctual with timing, but hey, they were jokes. Sadly, she didn't have anyone to really practice on, not even a cat. Honestly that's rather claw-ful, and I'll tail you, makes me a bit sad. Anyways, back to Punch Line. "As Punch Line's puns got better, even though it wasn't quite a laugh, she saw Miss Flower actually smile occasionally. It's rather hard not to smile when a cute little filly is squeaking out puns involving your name or subjects you're teaching or talking about, it very well will warm your heart if you still have one. Everything from innocent questions asking Miss Flower why they haven't learnt about plants so she could squeak out that she hadn't bot-any, to a rather silly joke about how the moon could be used as an asylum for the luna-tics." Itov smiled, listening to the weak laughter he received from those few jokes. He decided to let the laughs settle down before he continued. "Sadly, although it truly warmed the heart, it didn't actually help to make Miss Flower any more fun loving. So she moved on to more humor. Everything from the classic why the chicken crossed the road to knock knock jokes. Miss Flower's heart continued to warm up at this child's innocence and genuine attempts to bring joy to her life. "Yet even that didn't work well enough to actually make her smile. So, Punch turned to physical humor and more personal jokes. Sarcastic remarks occasionally over a shy comment or wrong answer, and the occasional juggling act or bouncing upon a moving ball. She was becoming her own little jester, earning giggles and chuckles from her classmates as her antics ramped up. "One day, she tried combining multiple acts. I'll tell you all something, nothing quite as amazing as a filly with wings spread open, bouncing on a ball juggling smaller balls wearing a Jester's cap. Beyond being rather ridiculous, it also was extremely impressive to see such grace!" Itov smiled, stopping to allow those with an imagination picture it. Those who actually could picture it were giggling and chuckling. Such joyous sounds to hear. "Well, as those around you have demonstrated, such a sigh would make just about anypony laugh. Even that cold-hearted Miss Flower couldn't resist. She tried giggling a little to get it out, and that simply opened the floodgates. A giggle turned to a chuckle, a chuckle to full on laughter. Some say she laughed hard enough to bring tears to her eyes! Even though little Punch didn't notice due to her cheering and laughing for finally achieving her goal, she had gotten her cutie mark. A three belled Jester cap colored red and orange, with a smile beneath it. From that day on, Punch Line was a superb joker and some say she could make anyone smile, despite what she had to do and how long it would take. The End!" Itov beamed, looking up to note the lovely purplish color of the night sky, the moon merely a crescent. "Well, I believe that is all for the youngsters. I bid you a good night little Strawberry!" He said with a small smile, hearing Strawberry squeak as she was mentioned personally by him. That would probably give the filly something to talk about to her friends. "So, Itov was it? I believe your price was a bit of cider, so how about we take this show to the local pub. You can have a drink, maybe we could sing a song or two together!" This time a cheery looking brown coated mare spoke to him, smiling kindly. "I'm Chocolate Harvest by the by, one of the few bar mares we have here!" "That sounds absolutely delightful m'dear. Everypony, follow us to the pub, where I'll continue the show after a few drinks!" Itov exclaimed proudly amongst quite a few cheers, be it for some hard cider or his show, it didn't really matter. > Prepping the Actors (Part One) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Seems some would insist I'm insane, that I'm the crazy one. 'Who would want to act as if nothing has changed?' They say. What's the alternative I used to wonder. After only a few months I found the answer to such a question. Toss yourself into the grinder known as war and die for your ideology. "So, what should one go for? Fight for Unicorn or Earth Pony supremacy? Fight for martial law or religious law? Tear down society and let nature rule or simply become whatever you own and your individual character doesn't actually matter? I think I'll stick to making myself and others smile, thank you very much!" Taken from the scrolls of a Mirth Minstrel Itov was lead and encouraged to enter what most would call an old and somewhat shady building. From the dust and cracks in the windows, to the scars on the wood making up the walls and the sign that one could barely make out Prancing Mare Pub, it seemed rather poorly kept. Honestly if it wasn't for the fact that nopony else had any problems with going into it, he'd probably avoid the place all together. It wasn't even much better on the inside, tables with nicks and stools and chairs that seemed to partially be held together by what may very well be tape. At least the counter seemed nice enough to sit at and drink. "I'm sure it's not much compared to what you've been in before, but the drinks are good and the folk aren't bad for a conversation!" Chocolate smiled, wrapping a hoof around Itov. She brushed a bit of her tannish mane out of her eyes before continuing. "Besides you'd have me to serve you and keep you company!" She giggled softly before seating Itov at the counter. "Sounds rather nice Chocolate, mind if I get a mug of cider?" Itov smiled, bowing his head slightly as he took a seat, once again removing a scroll from his robes. Chocolate smiled kindly, shaking her head. "I don't mind Itov, s'long as you tell me what you're reading there." She got behind the counter, getting out a mug and placing it below a tap as it poured out the sweet, sweet cider. She hoofed the mug to Itov, leaning on the count with her hoof. "Oh, umm... it's just a little bit of rereading on a song I've made. I use my horn to create music, so I wanted to remember the correct pattern to get the song right!" Itov rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling nervously. Either he was lying, or was a bit shy on admitting he was studying up on something he'd planned on doing. He lifted the mug with his hooves, taking a small drink from it before setting it down with a small sigh. Sure, it burned his throat a bit as it went down, but that aftertaste of apples and that lovely warm feeling he got from it was well worth it. "It's been way too long since I've had such a great drink!" Chocolate giggled, shaking her head. "So you're not going to pull a song out of your flank like you did with that story? I'm not sure if I should be glad or not." She stuck her tongue out a little, smirking. She definitely was teasing poor Itov. "H-hey now, my story was good!" Itov's cheeks warmed up, a bit embarrassed. His story wasn't that bad. Not like he continuously stumbled over his words, only paused like four times or so. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. "Good enough for the filly you were entertaining with it! The most you got were chuckles man!" One of the bar patrons spoke up, chuckling. He was a rather large stallion, with a white coat, black mane, and gray eyes. "I'm sure I speak for most when I say we all need quite a few drinks to deal with something like that!" This resulted in cheers and calls for another round. Itov has only had two gulps and the others already finished a mug each. Gods these town ponies impressed him. Itov mumbled, placing his head on the counter. "Was it really that bad dear, Chocolate?" He looked up at her, a small frown on his muzzle. He couldn't have been that bad, truly. Maybe the drunks were over exaggerating. "Uh...I thought it was nice dear, Void." Chocolate looked around a bit, slightly uncomfortable. Gods why couldn't he just be a drunk and simply ask for more cider. "I need to give all these gents and ladies their second round darling, I'll be back." She filled up twenty mugs and got a tray out, placing the tray on her back before walking out to the tables. "Just take a mug, I'm not breaking up a bar fight if somebody takes somebody else's drink! Got it?" She scowled, looking at the ponies as if daring one to argue against her. "Y-yes ma'am!" Just about all twenty shouted their understanding, a bit afraid. They'd prefer not being thrown out only after one drink after all. Most tend to drink until they couldn't pay for it any longer. Simply a little joy they all shared before going back to the bleak reality of their town surviving on it's own. "Well...that's rather inspiring." Itov smiled, taking a drink from his mug, now about half empty, or half full. Nobody really cares. He read over his scroll, studying the spell written upon it. The only question now was when does he unleash the spell. Should he wait for the others to get some more drinks, or should he do it now. Both had their merits. "So, what made you pick up the life of a bard dear?" Chocolate returned to the counter, setting the tray down as she spoke to him. "Surely this wasn't your first choice, I really doubt you'd have so many scrolls and your own material unless you've been planning for a while." "Oh, well...I guess it was simply the lack of good choices really. I could live comfortably in Moon and Stars territory, but I don't support Unicorn supremacy. House Earthborn would dehorn me, and....yeah, I'm not forcing myself through that. Not enough bits for Whitegold and not enough appreciation of nature for Everfree. I'm also a fan of freedom, not martial law under bloodthirsty hawks...I mean pegasi." He tilted his head to the side as he took a small gulp from his mug. "I also don't see the appeal of the Cult itself, though I do approve of leaving smiles behind you everywhere you go. So I gave it some thought, hung around Moon and Stars territory to gather supplies, and set off. That's the brief of it anyways." "Hmm...that sounds a lot like something a madpony would do. Ignore the war and simply travel to make others smile despite their loss. You're either very caring, or deeply unstable." Chocolate giggled, smiling at Itov. "Who isn't a bit crazy nowadays? Though I would like it noted I'm caring. If I was unstable, would I have made up a story for that little filly, Strawberry Burst, was it?" Itov smiled, rolling up his scroll and sliding it back into his robes. "Well, I think I should give you all that music, yes?" "That would be appreciated, that's for sure. Something other than just listening to mugs hitting tables and calls for another one would be welcome." Chocolate smiled, resting her head on her hoof as she leaned on the counter. "Hmm, I think I got what you need." Itov stood up, smiling oddly. His horn glowed a light teal, a low, soft sound could be heard by all in the bar. The song began with what sounded oddly enough like piano music coming from his horn, the teal glow flickering with each press of a key. Sure, in large scale operations for the Cult, a Macabre Music Machine would do this job. Using magically charged music to affect the emotions and stability of others. Sadly, he didn't have a Macabre Music Machine, and carting one around is a sure way to blow one's cover. This was a good reason that the Mirth Minstrels of the Cult haven't been made obsolete just yet. Infiltrating small towns unworthy of the presence of a full out circus. Soon enough, he should have his company come in and actually begin the process of converting these town folk. Until then, he'll begin working his influence. The soft sounds of the piano slowly grew in volume, the occasional toot of a trumpet interjecting. There was some energy within this music, and it was definitely infectious. Some of the older ponies seemed to sway in their seats to the rhythm of the music, whilst younger ones tapped along, providing a beat to go along with it. Itov stood up, a serene smile on his face as he began moving his hooves like a conductor, the piano changing to an organ as the sound of violins began to accompany it. The pace has slowed, and ponies began to calm down, eyes closing as they listened and began to think of happier times. Seems there was some magic in these sounds. The sounds of the organ began to die out, leaving an almost mournful tune to be played by the violins alone, ponies unable to help themselves but to think of the tragedies of recent years. Be it another lost caravan of supplies from White Gold to losses protecting against the forest creatures. Rumors of the flooded Ponyville and the loss of relatives, to the worries of being a casualty of the war between Moon and Stars and Earthborn. They couldn't help but envision a sad ending for all, some allowing tears to flow as emotional wounds reopened. Yet the song didn't end, instead, it began to change. Wild and random instruments thrown in, almost like circus music. Not quite a single sound, but a flurry of instruments, filled with energy and cheer. Ponies began to perk up, small smiles and grins curling their mouths as images of happier times once again flooded them. Deep down, they felt that this was right. They deserved this happiness, and surely attaining this kind of happiness is only right... right? The end justifies the means, if they can carve a happy life from this miserable lot they've been given! Slowly the music died out on a chilling note, a lone whistle of an organ as Itov took a bow, grinning. Sure, there weren't any words to it, but despite his bard training, he wasn't comfortable with singing. Not that it mattered much with the intentions he held. This was more of a way of testing who was magically weak and resilient, along with planting the first seeds of discontent and doubt. Show them the future they could've had, show them the promises of what could be. Weaken them, then swoop in. Convince them of the merits of the cult, or slowly drive them crazy. They are merely cannon fodder afterwards anyways. Amongst claps and whistles, Itov sat back down, massaging his horn with only a slight look of discomfort. It was a headache to amplify the music, especially with it echoing within his head. "Thank you, thank you! I'll probably offer another poem before i turn in for the night." Itov smiled, shaking his head as he heard some boos. "Sorry friends, sorry. I've just had a rather long journey, and am expecting some company in the morning. Friends of mine had a slight delay in leaving the last town we visited." Itov gently assured, pretending it nothing more but a sudden sickness. Well, not entirely wrong. Few cuts that could easily have gotten worse with movement. So he left their armed escort with him and merely continued on his way so as to begin his work early since it's the most important portion there of. Although one could brute force the conversion process, it's much easier to prey on those with a bit of doubt in their hearts and on their minds. Not so long ago, in our happy world of Equestria, we stood united Though now we live in a land deeply divided Ideologies plague all that will not follow them to hell And will lash out any who they believe have fell. As far as the leaders are concerned, you're a tool and nothing more Doesn't matter if they leave you all poor. Ideologies clash and flash throughout the land and believe me I'm not sure it's wise to disobey their command, yet surely there is more for the common folk than to be shattered and broke. Days are grey, despite the sun When only children can afford to have fun. Sanity breaks as this war marches on And crushes those it relies upon! Battered by the grinder of war Sacrificed upon alters of gore! A smile has become a rarity To those who aren't accused of mental disparity, A laugh is a blasphemy to those long gone Who were used up and tossed aside as a pawn! The dead hold no respect for those who lead Yet of the common man take no heed! If only they could rise To take on those they despise. Take heed, dear listener Don't allow them to take thy joy prisoner! Live in spite of these ruinous lords And allow hope to be what you march towards! Freedom from war and strife Allow joy to take over your life! Our lovely speaker gave a bow, horn glowing a light teal as a random scroll glowed, copying down his words so as to not forget any of it. Seeing as how word will not spread of his performance, he could always reuse this work if inspiration doesn't strike. As Itov rose his head once more, he smiled at that claps and cheers he received, along with the thoughtful looks some held. No suspicions... yet. Seemed they were thinking over his words, attempting to figure out the point of the poem and underlying message. Why did he badmouth the war and Houses so much? The world may never know. "Thank you friends, thank you! It has been an honor performing for you all. Alas, we all must sleep eventually, and I'd prefer not passing out during my next act!" Itov announced to the sound of chuckles, watching the odd unicorn return to the bar counter so as to speak to Chocolate Harvest. "So, tell me... do you have rooms for rent?" Itov, after all, did need somewhere to stay. He could make do with a tent on the edge of town, his magic could easily make one, but he'd still prefer a room. "Afraid not honey, afraid not." Chocolate sighed, shaking her head. There used to be, but with difficulties popping up in their little village, upkeep became too much. The rooms weren't fit for pony living. "I could always offer you a spot in my room though." She spoke softly, a little bit of a seductive undertone to her voice. "Just be sure to meet your friends somewhere else than my room in the morning, I doubt they want to see the mess." She giggled again, airly waving a hoof. "Aww, why thank you doll." Itov smiled brightly, chuckling softly. "I suppose I'd be a bit daft to not agree to this, and probably regret missing the opportunity. So, where is your room?" His smile slowly returned to something gentle, head leaning on his forehoof. He did need to know that still. "To the left of the storage room behind the counter dear." Chocolate lifted a hind hoof to point it out, grinning as Itov took a second to look her over before following her hoof. "Don't worry, I'll join you shortly." With that information, Itov stood up slowly and walked past her, taking a small second to nuzzle her, much to her dismay as she began to blush as the pub erupted in wolf whistles and cheers of congratulations to the 'lucky stallion'. She'd get Itov back for this later, curse him! Itov stumbled into Chocolate's room, not even bothering to light his way as he just fumbled around to find the bed and settle in until she arrived. A small smirk graced his muzzle, a stray thought of sparing Chocolate once the plan began. Of course, that wouldn't be hard to do, so long as she didn't complicate anything. He fell into a light sleep as he waited, dreams filled with a prior life that he no longer lived. Just as he was getting to the height of his past life, he was awoken by an odd warmth pressing into his neck and the muffled whispers of him being an asshole. With a soft yawn, he woke up, rolling over to wrap his hooves around the soft mare next to him. Casually his horn glowed, the soft sound of a lock clicking into place followed by a soundproofing spell. "Shh Chocolate, that's not the sounds I want to hear~" Thus began a rather fun night.