CoH : The Silence of the Elements

On his way to the provided table, Spike nearly dropped the inkwells he carried when Twilight's frustrated groan bellowed like a manticore's roar. “What? What's wrong?” he gasped as he spun to face her. He didn't know how to read her countenance. Her brow was furrowed, like she was buried deep within her thoughts, her ears were folded back against her head, and her eyes frantically traced over some obscure patterns in the wooden floor. All he could do was guess that something of great importance was on her mind.

Twiddling his claws, he walked up to Twilight. “Hello?” he sang, waving a hand in front of her face. “You in there, Twilight?”

The dragon's antics had the desired effect, fortunately. The princess snapped out of her stupor and she stared at Spike, dumbfounded. “Huh?” she muttered.

“What's wrong? You looked like you lost an argument with Discord there for a moment.”

Her ear twitched. She honestly didn't know what he was talking about, until it struck her like an electric shock that she had allowed her emotions to be seen. The realization made her muscles tense. “I'm sorry, Spike,” she said, biting down on the edge of her hoof. “I didn't mean to worry you. I just remembered that Mayor Upscale didn't give us directions to the library!”

Spike crossed his arms. “Why's that a problem?” he replied. He tried to ignore the piercing glare of the alicorn as he gently tugged at one of her wings. “Seriously, you have wings, for crying out loud. Why not just fly over Reinvale? I'm sure the library stands out. I mean, look at their hotel! You could probably see it from Canterlot if you squinted hard enough.”

“I-I...” she stammered, biting on her bottom lip for a change as the information clicked in her brain like a light switch. Well, shoot, she thought, her cheeks turning red. Much to her unease, she had, in fact, forgotten about said appendages. Although, it wasn't the first time. It probably wouldn't be the last, either. Twilight was a unicorn at heart and it was very likely that such a mentality wouldn't change anytime soon. Magic and hooves first, flight second. It was a wonder how she was able to properly function when Spike wasn't around.

In an attempt to compose herself, Twilight took a deep breath. Then, she nodded. “You're right, Spike,” she said. Rolling her shoulders, she magically lifted her assistant and placed him on her back. “Let's go find that library.”

She was content to leave their things where they set as she left the room. She thought that it would be a clear trail to the exit, but she was proven wrong when she ran into her friends as soon as she reached the lobby. They were gathered near the entrance, around a pony she didn't recognize. From her spot beside the receptionist's desk, Twilight could see that the mystery pony was a unicorn mare with a slim perfume bottle as a cutie mark. Her coat was the color of cream and her short mane and tail were white with a peach-colored streak.

Curious, Twilight walked up to the group to investigate. “Well, hey, everyone,” she said. “What's going on?”

Fluttershy was the first to turn her head and smile at her. “Oh, hello, Twilight,” she replied in that soft voice of hers. “We were about to go on a tour.”

“Really?”

“Yep!” exclaimed Applejack.

Then, it was Rarity's turn to speak. “Mayor Upscale was oh-so kind as to send us a guide for the day.” She gestured towards the other unicorn with her hoof. “Go ahead and introduce yourself, darling.”

The nameless mare gave a nod before she stepped towards Twilight and bowed. As she lowered her head, the white laced ribbon that was tied around her neck shimmered in the light. “It's lovely to meet you, your Highness,” she said. “I'm Vanilla Lace, but all my friends call me 'Lacie,' for short.”

Twilight restrained the frown that threatened to form on her face. There it was again—that formal greeting. She waved her hoof, a prompt that caused Vanilla to rise from the position. “It's nice to meet you as well,” the princess replied. “But, you don't have to be so formal with me. Call me 'Twilight,' please.”

Lacie giggled. “Very well, Twilight,” she said lightheartedly. “Shame you can't join us for the tour. I take it you are on your way to meet Antiquity?”

The princess glanced hesitantly at the floor. “I am, in fact, but I'm afraid that I don't know where the library is. May I have some directions?”

“Of course! Of course! Follow me, please.” Holding her head high, Lacie turned around and trotted towards the front doors. The only noise she could hear was the muffled sound of hooves against fabric as everyone followed her. Slowly, she ceased, and allowed Twilight to do the same before she pointed a hoof to the east. “The library is that way, Twilight,” she said. “Do you see that spire with the shingled roof?”

Twilight's eyes followed the invisible line drawn by Lacie's hoof, until they came to rest on the structure in question. It certainly stood out in comparison to the smaller buildings in terms of size and architecture. There were no other spires in sight, which lead her to believe that the library was the only building that possessed one. Unfortunately, she couldn't make out more than that from a distance. A great weight was taken from her shoulders and she sighed in relief as she turned to Lacie. “Thank you so much,” she said. “You were a great help!”

“It was no trouble at all.”

Extending her wings, Twilight regarded her friends for a temporary farewell. “I'll see you all later!” she exclaimed, taking to the air. There was no time for her to stick around for the goodbyes of the other mares. She made a beeline for the library, while Spike firmly clung to her mane.

By avoiding the streets, they arrived at their destination in no time at all. Up close, the library appeared much older than she suspected. It was constructed of brick and wood; it was rather plain compared to the rest of Reinvale. Still, Twilight didn't think any less of it; she loved all libraries unconditionally.

With a grunt, Spike jumped off her back and he ran up to the door. He was kind enough to hold the door for her, then he raced to her side. Unlike Twilight, the dragon wasn't all that impressed. There wasn't any liveliness to the place. It was dull, dusty, and it smelled of aged paper. “This place is... nice,” he said under his breath.

“It is, isn't it?” retorted the gleeful alicorn. She trotted past the rows of literature with a smile on her face. She had half a mind to do some browsing while they waited for their designated escort, though she already caught a glimpse of familiar titles every time she glanced at the shelves. Then again, that was due to her years spent in Canterlot's exquisite libraries, but she dared to hope that there was a chance for her to come across a tome she had never before read.

Sadly, Twilight wouldn't get the chance to indulge in that particular curiosity. As they closed in on the heart of the collected works, they saw a lone pony standing near the vacant librarian's station. She was yet another unicorn mare, who currently had her nose buried in a book. Her coat was brown—a lighter shade than that of her mane and tail, which were the color of chocolate with a mix of pale-pink streaks. From a short distance, Twilight could see that her cutie mark was a... Wait, what was that? It was round in shape, the color and twinkle of pink quartz, and lined with bronze fixings and smaller circles that she assumed to be pearls. A brooch? Twilight was willing to bet that it was a brooch.

Clearing her throat, she walked up to the unsuspecting mare, who was so obviously entranced by her choice of literature. “Uh, hello?” she said as gently as her voice allowed.

Unfortunately, the lowering of the princess' voice was in vain. The unicorn flinched, nearly losing the arcane grip she had on her book. “Hello!?” she exclaimed, her coral-colored eyes growing wide behind her glasses.

Twilight, taken aback by her reaction, stepped backwards out of reflex. “It's okay!” she replied. “Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.”

The mare was silent for a few seconds as she hid her face behind her book. “Oh, oh my,” she whispered, shaking her head. “I'm so, so sorry! I didn't see you there. Oh, stupid, stupid!”

“Hey, don't be so hard on yourself!” Slowly, Twilight rested a hoof on one of the unicorn's shoulders. “It's perfectly fine. You're not the only one to completely lose themselves in a book, trust me. It must be a very, very interesting read. What's it about?”

“It's... a historical reference on early Equestrian pottery.” Ever so slightly, the unicorn peeked over the top of the book and she adjusted her glasses after she briefly glanced at the baby dragon that stood at Twilight's side. For whatever reason, she suddenly composed herself. “But, it's not important,” she added, closing the book. “How may I help you two on this fine evening?”

“Oh, well, we're not looking for a book, sadly. We're a little early, but we're here to meet someone.”

The bespectacled mare raised an eyebrow, then she squinted at Twilight. There was another uncomfortable silence, until her eyes settled on the alicorn's wings. The examination came to a screaming halt and she bowed her head slightly. “Ah, Princess Twilight!My apologies, I didn't recognize you at first!” she exclaimed. She set the book aside. “It's very, very nice to meet you. I'm Antiquity.”

Smiling, Twilight reached out to shake her hoof. “It's nice to meet you, too, but just call me 'Twilight,' okay? And this—” she nodded at her assistant “—is Spike.”

“You got it, Twilight, and it's nice to meet you as well, Spike.” Antiquity giggled and pointed in the direction of the exit. “It's a bit early, and I don't normally like to rush, but do you want to just want to head down to the excavation site? The workers won't mind in the least.”

Twilight glanced at Spike, who merely shrugged and grinned, before she answered, “Sounds good to me. I'll follow you, if that's acceptable.”

“Oh, of course! Let's go.” Antiquity ran a hoof over her ponytail as she trotted past Twilight and Spike—both of whom followed close behind her.

The trio left the library behind on their venture to the gemstone mines. According to Antiquity, Reinvale originated as a town of business. The mines, in which gemstones were discovered completely by accident, were the reason for its construction almost one hundred years prior, for they drew workers in great numbers. Its growth was inevitable as more and more ponies settled in the town. Many of those ponies brought bits and it wasn't long before multiple family-owned businesses also supplemented Reinvale's wealth. Wealth, of course, attracted the celebrities, who only brought more and more wealth with them as time passed on.

As with the mines, the ruins were also discovered by accident. Antiquity didn't know much about them, but she was able to inform Twilight that, out of the blue, one of the mines just gave way to the massive cavern in which the ruins rested. Though their origins were a mystery, both word and request were immediately sent to Canterlot. “It took days for Mayor Upscale to receive a letter back from Canterlot,” said Antiquity. “All of us here in Reinvale are happy to be a part of the ruins' excavation and preservation. A lot can be learned from them, I'm sure.”

“I don't doubt that. It's an honor to be a part of something this wonderful,” replied Twilight. They had been walking for about a half-hour and were now on the outskirts of town—following a stone-paved road as the mines slowly came into view. At first, they appeared as nothing more than a few sturdy, brick houses that were lined up in a neat little row at the base of the large hill that set behind them. Twilight soon realized, however, that they were much larger. Up close, they were more like factories. “What are they for?” she asked.

“They protect both the workers and the mines within, in case of potential thieves or, more importantly, flooding from the Hayseed Swamps.” Antiquity pointed as the second building from the right. Unlike the other buildings, this one had a few guards patrolling around it. But, they weren't ordinary guards, they were guards clad in familiar golden armor. “The ruins were found in that mine,” the unicorn continued. “Don't mind the guards. Princess Luna sent them for a little extra security.”

Twilight and Spike glanced at each other, but said nothing. Their questions were similar, like what the reason could be for the presence of Canterlot Royal Guards at an archaeological dig. It's probably because I'm here, thought Twilight. It's only appropriate that guards be sent to assure a princess' safety.

Another formality, albeit one that was a lot less direct. It was one she could simply ignore.

The guards simply bowed as she, Spike, and Antiquity entered the building. It was spacious inside, which made sense. The enormous hole that rested on the other side of the chamber was dug right into the side of the hill. Twilight could only imagine its depth. They then passed a few storage areas, as well as a kitchen area that was improvised for the archaeologists and other workers, before they began to descend into the tunnel. The torches fastened to the chipped, sparkling walls provided the light they needed to navigate the hoof-carved cave. The ground beneath them was at a slight incline and the temperature began a slow downward spiral as they walked—an indication that they were heading deep into the earth.

However, after an estimate of ten minutes, Twilight began to hear voices. There were many, which converged into a mass of nonsensical noise, and they all came from a larger area that was up ahead. They had a few feet to go before they reached it, but the sudden end of the tunnel was enough to tell the young princess that they were about to stumble upon something else. The massive chamber came into view bit by bit, and by the time the trio reached the end of the tunnel, Twilight was filled with awe. “Oh, my gosh,” she whispered.

At last, they had reached the dig. The voices of the laborers below echoed off the rounded walls that encased the ruins. Grand orbs of magical light were scattered throughout the vast cavern—obviously cast by the skilled unicorns who were a part of the work force. The illumination came close to that of daylight and everything could be seen. The only difference between the light of the sun and the artificial florescence of magic was that the magic did nothing for the amount of dampness in the air. As Twilight inspected the cave's walls, she saw the water that clung to them as it trickled downward from whatever elevation it originated. That was no surprise; underground pockets were naturally damp. Yet, she wondered how close they were to the infamous swamps, given the... generous amount of water that was present all around them.

The ruins themselves were unlike anything Twilight had seen before. Five decrepit towers of white stonework stood close to the stalactite-covered ceiling and loomed above the rubble-coated floor in a crooked manner. A bizarre species of dark green vine clung to each of them and hung off their protrusions like thick curtains of moss. They appeared untouched by the workers, who cautiously and nervously navigated around them as they instead chose to investigate the smaller structures that littered the cavern floor. Every so often, though, they threw suspicious glances at the towers. Twilight understood their paranoia; it was possible that the brittle towers would collapse at any moment.

It had been a very, very, very long time since the relics last saw the warm, glowing face of the sun.

~*~*~

All the meanwhile, the afternoon passed into late and Lacie's tour came to its conclusion at one of Reinvale's prevalent restaurants. She was pleased with her guidance, for her charges were dazzled and eager to experience the town's luxuries. “Well, everyone,” she said loudly and with pride,” this is the final stop, I'm afraid. Welcome to the Rhinelander Bistro, Reinvale's most famous and deluxe eatery.” Like an overzealous thespian, she reared up and presented the restaurant with a wave of her hoof.

Her delight, however, was justified. The Rhinelander Bistro was one of the more decorative establishments she presented. It was only a single story and while it shared the same stucco walls of its neighboring structures, it was adorned with more colorful and lavish compositions: stained glass windows, marble pillars, and banners that hung from gilded poles. There was even a patio, which featured smooth stone tables that were shielded from the sun by umbrellas of richly hued fabric.

Chuckling, Lacie ran a hoof through her mane. “I do hope that you enjoyed the tour, ladies,” she said.

“It was wonderful, thank you,” replied Fluttershy, who peeked around Applejack. “You have a really pretty town.”

Rarity nodded and said, “Agreed. I had no idea Reinvale was so glamorous.” Sure, it was no Canterlot or Manehattan, but the town was a pleasant surprise with its shops and spa, which she planned to visit in the near future.

“It makes me so happy to hear your compliments,” Lacie replied, smiling. She then flicked her tail and began to walk in the direction of the patio. “Follow me one last time, if you will. There are a few friends of mine that I want you to meet before you return to your hotel.”

The group followed her without question. It was a short distance, after all, and once they rounded the corner of the bistro Lacie immediately lead them to a table that was occupied by two other mares: an earth pony and a pegasus. The earth pony had a coat that was the color of copper, while her mane and tail were lavender. Around her neck was a purple ascot. The pegasus, on the other hand, was a dim grayish-pink, with a braided mane and tail that were a soft shade of fuchsia and blue. She wore only a pair of cobalt-rimmed glasses. The two appeared completely oblivious to their presence, for they were deeply engaged in whatever their conversation detailed.

“Yoo-hoo, girls!” called Lacie in a sing-song voice.

The duo turned their heads and their expressions instantaneously changed to that of glee. “Oh, Lacie!” exclaimed the earth pony, a twinkle in her lime-colored eyes. “There you are, dear. We were beginning to worry!”

“I know, I know, I'm a little late. I hope you won't hold it against me. I just finished giving these absolutely charming mares a tour of our fair town..” Lacie pointed at the ponies who stood behind her, then pointed her hoof at each individual as she introduced them. “Say hello to Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. They're friends of Princess Twilight, so do behave yourselves.” Lacie turned to her charges. “And, you five, greet my friends Autumn Royal and Chary. I hope you will all get along.”

The four Elements, plus Lacie, gathered around the table and each of them found a seat. “It's real nice to meet y'all,” said Applejack.

“Quite,” added Rarity. “It's always nice to meet new ponies, especially ones with such exquisite tastes.” She leaned close to Autumn Royal, looking over the kerchief that was tied around her neck. “That's a splendid accessory, Autumn.”

“Why, thank you,” the earth mare replied. In a playful manner, she repeated Rarity's invasion of her personal space and she squinted as she examined the unicorn's face. “Pardon me, Rarity,” she said, “but I feel like I've heard your name before. Are you a seamstress?”

“I am! I own the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville, but don't let that fool you. I've done plenty of pieces for ponies like Sapphire Shores and Hoity Toity.”

“You also designed Princess Cadence's wedding dress,” said Fluttershy.

“Really?” asked Chary. “Wow, that's incredible.”

“'Wow,' indeed,” chuckled Autumn. “I wish I had such a skill, not that my orchard isn't at all profitable.”

Applejack's ears perked up. “Say what now?”

“My family and I own Ambrosia Fields outside town. We're one of the largest fruit orchards in Equestria.”

“Well, hay, Ah've heard of you! The Apples have done some business with you before.”

“Oh? The Apples? Yes, I've transacted with quite a few Apples over the years. I take it you're a member of the family?”

“Darn tootin' Ah am! My cousin Braeburn bought a bunch of saplings off y'all a few years back to extend the orchard in Appleloosa.” She took off her hat and she placed it against her chest. “Ah don't know if you remember him or not, but Ah hope you won't mind if Ah tell you how much the orchard's grown 'cause of your hardy little trees.” And “hardy” was an understatement. The bountiful Appleloosan trees were put through the scorching heat of the desert, and yet they never seemed negatively affected.

“I'm glad that Appleloosa has profited from them. Although, I can't take full credit. I'm sure that there are countless Appleloosan apple trees that came from elsewhere,” replied Autumn. She then cleared her throat and crossed her forelegs on the table. “Enough about me. I'm not the only successful businessmare here. Chary's a well-reknowned author and Lacie made a fortune off her fragrances.”

Lacie rolled her eyes and smirked. “Guilty as charged,” she snickered. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as Chary and Fluttershy engaged in a quiet conversation.

Rainbow Dash also rolled her eyes, though she lacked any form of smile. “Ugh, fragrances?” she groaned. “Like, perfumes and stuff? How do you make bits selling that kind of junk?”

“Rainbow!” scolded Applejack.

In spite of the pegasus' comments, Lacie wasn't at all offended. “I sell perfume, yes, but I also sell items like lotions, body wash, and shampoo at my shop,” she retorted. “You're more than welcome, at any time, to visit me at the Botanical Bouquet. I'll happily show you just how I make bits selling 'that kind of junk.'”

Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs across her chest, raising an eyebrow and shaking her head. “Nah, I don't think so,” she muttered.

“I'll take you up on that offer,” said Rarity.

“Ah, I have a taker! Anypony else?”

But, nopony else spoke up, until it was Autumn's turn to make an offer. “Well, if the rest of you aren't interested in Lacie's shop, then would you like to see Ambrosia Fields?” she asked.

Applejack raised her hoof. “Ah would!”

Pinkie Pie suppressed a squeal as she leaped from her seat and started bouncing around the table. “Can I go, too?” she asked. “Can I, can I, can I?”

“Didn't think you'd be interested in an orchard, Pinkie.”

“C'mon, who doesn't love fruit? It's sweet and juicy and tangy and it's sometimes tart or sour!” If there was as much fruit as Autumn claimed, then Pinkie was eager to see it all. As much as she loved to party, the baker in her wondered what, and how many, goods she could bake with different kinds of fruits. Apples, of course, were the only plentiful bounty in Ponyville and new recipes would surely make the Cakes happy. Smiling wide, the party pony pushed her shoulder against Autumn Royal's. “So... Can I go, too?”

Laughing, Autumn nodded. “Of course, of course!” she replied. “The more, the merrier! Anypony else want to tag along?”

“Count me out,” grumbled Rainbow Dash.

“I'm afraid I'll have to pass as well,” said Fluttershy. She settled a hoof on Chary's shoulder. “Chary was so kind to invite me to her cabin for tea tomorrow.”

“Aw. You, too, 'Shy?”

Smirking, Chary looked at the blue pegasus. “Oh, you're more than welcome to join us,” she said. “I have plenty of room and plenty of tea.”

“It will be nice, Rainbow. You don't want to be left out of tomorrow's activities, I'm sure.”

“Ugh... Alright, but my decision depends on whether or not you have any Daring Do books, Chary.” Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash forgot to pack a few of her own. If she was being forced to go anywhere, especially somewhere calm and quiet, then she wanted her favorite (and only) reading material to keep her occupied.

Her question made Chary chuckle. “I have all of the books written so far. I'm glad to meet another fan of A.K. Yearling, ” she replied.

“Yeah, it's cool. I guess I'll go, since I have nothing else planned.”

Clapping her hooves together, Lacie sighed in relief. “All right! So, it's all settled. Shall we begin in the morning?” she said. The others, in unison, voiced their agreement with the arrangements. She briefly turned her attention to the sun. It was beginning its descent behind the distant horizon. “Look at the time,” she added softly. “I suggest we turn in for the night. Tomorrow is a big day, after all.” She stood, which prompted Autumn and Chary to do so as well, then she politely bowed to her newfound friends. The trio retreated afterwards, which left Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash free to return to the Clydesdale.