Fortunas' Favor
Courteous Concessions
Previous ChapterNext ChapterTwilight picked up the first report. "The archaeology teams have managed to find numerous caches of artifacts buried in the soil of Dneighstria," Twilight began as she levitated the largest bundle of papers. "Current methods of dating estimate that none are newer than 1700 years old. Compared with records available to us, that's a century before the conflicts that ushered in the Era of Discord."
"That gives us a rough timeline," Cheerilee said. "If Si Mu Zes' curse was laid around that time, it would give a reason for the empires' collapse."
"Anyways," Twilight continued. "Among the items that the archaeology teams have uncovered, are numerous clay tablets. Some of them contain fragments of spell theories."
"Spell theories?" Toola wondered.
"The underlying principles for casting magic," Twilight explained, "Instead of actual spells, theories enable unicorns to devise their own spells around philosophical ideas. This approach, while it gave certain spells unique touches particular to a unicorn, it resulted in mages having different ways of casting what was essentially the same spell. Not exactly reinventing the wheel, but different ways of building a cart."
"I can see how that would limit advancement. It would be like teaching letters and sounds, but letting students develop their own approaches to spelling words." Cheerilee added.
"Right, but the main point is that there's no such thing as Lost Roani Magic," Twilight explained. "Most of the spell theories were noted in other sources, and the rise of academies during the Princesses first reign, saw the transition from theories to actual spell records. What makes these fragments important, is that they give us an idea of what the society was like."
"That's certainly an interesting revelation," Cheerilee replied. "What about this one?" She picked up a smaller bundle of papers.
"Due to the Larkspur and Heliotrope situation, all the contracts regarding the lands of the Barony have been reopened and examined," Twilight began. She turned the page. "The contract for the LaRoullettes contained a few clauses that were magically blurred, and required higher authorization to be revealed. Since the contract had Princess Celestias' signature on it, it was submitted to the Diarchys' authority. Princess Luna is currently examining the contract." Another page. "In accordance with the rules of the Equestrian Peerage, Princess Luna is also conducting a check for the following: Honores Bacculus and Honores Chalice."
"We get Honors?" Toola squeaked. "We already got our reward for restoring her domain."
Twilight lowered the report. "This is a check to see if you're due to receive any other rewards." she began. "Honores Bacculus, is for dedicated service to the Diarchy, and Honores Chalice is for dedicated service to local communities. I don't have all the particulars, but it seems that your family has given support to Ponyville and Lower Canterlot long enough to be considered for such Honors."
"Please keep us informed how well that goes," Cheerilee replied. "Given what I know, I don't think we'd make for very good peers. Even with the community backing us."
Twilight shrugged. "It's not my business, but I felt that you should know, at least."
"We appreciate that, Twilight," Toola walked over to the doorway. "For now though, we have some things that we need to do, and you do too."
"Oh, right," Twilight gathered up the reports. "I will get you that information just as fast as I'm able."
"I wish you and yours a pleasant night," Cheerilee said. "And let us know if you need our help."
"Bonne nuit," Twilight replied with a bow.
"Bonne nuit, mon ami," Cheerilee returned the bow.
= = =
"Spike are you busy?" Twilight called out as she entered the library.
"I'm here, Twilight," Spike replied as he hurried down the stairs from the 2nd floor landing. Twilight glanced upwards and noticed a pile of RPG supplements. "I wasn't looking at any of the adventure modules, I swear."
"Spike, I need forms OCFG-05, OCFG-07, a pot of coffee, and the stamps for overnight mailing." Twilight rattled off.
Spike quickly gathered the forms and the stamps, along with a set of quills and a jar of ink. "Sounds like you have some important business planned."
"Indeed I do." Twilight levitated the forms, along with two blank scrolls, the quills, and the ink. "I just received some important information." She began writing on one of the scrolls. "But nothing that needs to go through Celestia."
"Cool, so do I have the afternoon off then?" Spike asked, clasping his hands behind his back, and giving Twilight a coy grin.
"Yes Spike," Twilight paused, "After I have my coffee, you may have some time off."
"Buck yeah!" Spike did a fist pump as he scurried to the kitchen.
"Spike! Language!"
"Sorry." Spike called from the kitchen.
Twilight sighed, then arrayed the items around herself, filling out relevant details.
O.C.F.G. Form 05: Report of Potential Heretical Activity.
Name: Twilight Sparkle.
Address: Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville.
Province: County of Greater Canterlot
Suspected Activity:
A unicorn known as 'Toola Roola' (Real name, Antonia LaRoullette) has acquired an ability that allows her to reshape her own flesh and bone. Said ability is also claimed to be present in two fillies that are directly descended from her: Ember and Tempest. Said ability is said to have been given to Toola by the entity known as 'Si Mu Ze.' I suspect that the power is a corruption of Blood Magic.
Location of Activity: The LaRoullette family Chateau, County of Greater Canterlot.
Additional Notes:
My questions are as follows
1: Since this power appears to be derived from Blood Magic, does it fall under the
provisions for unregulated usage?
2: As Toola Roola received this power unwillingly, would she be considered an
Unwilling Accomplice to a Heretic?
3: The use of this power enables Toola Roola to take on the form of another pony.
Would this fall under the Imitation Regulations that Changelings are subject to?
O.C.F.G. Form 07: Agent Assignment Form.
Name: Twilight Sparkle.
Address: Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville.
Province: County of Greater Canterlot
Case Number: #007856754 Reason for Request: See below
Requested Agent: 65532 Current Agent: None
Additional Notes:
Case #007856754 refers to a spell matrix that utilizes Chaos Magic.
Said spell matrix is attached to a cane that has been in the possession of the
LaRoulette Family for two centuries. Agent 65532 is a former Discordian who
is familiar with the use of Chaos Magic outside of Discordianism. Said agent can
differentiate between Discordian and Non-Discordian Chaos Magic.
Golden Oaks Library
Ponyville, Greater Canterlot.
Ginger Soda
Travel Agent
Equestria Travel Agency
112 Main Street, 3rd Terrace
Canterlot, Greater Canterlot.
Dear Mrs Soda:
My name is Twilight Sparkle-Pie, and I am writing on behalf of a friend. She is looking for Information regarding the various Grand Tours available. I understand that some are limited to just the nations of Equestria, while others include neighboring countries such as The Veldt, The Griffon Kingdoms, The United Colonies, The Aegemane, The Loshka Federation, Neighpon, Saddle Arabia, Ghoristan, and Oneiraterra.
I would like to know if there are any group rates for say, a family of eight. My friend is married, and currently has six fillies. I also wish to know if there are any requirements for vaccinations, passports for adults and kids, and potential currency exchange rates between Pony and Non-Pony nations.
In closing, I wish to thank you equinally for your help in organizing my prior tour. This is why I request your help in organizing my friends tour. If there are any complications regarding funding, please let me know, and I will make the necessary arrangements.
Sincerely
Twilight Sparkle-Pie.
Dear Mother
I hope that this letter finds you and father in good health and spirits. I must thank you again for inviting Pinkamena Diane Pie to my birthday celebration last week. It still warms my heart to remember how much fun she and Princess Cadance had together. It's almost like they share the Element of Laughter.
I would like to ask for your help and assistance regarding the Veldt. A friend of mine, Toola Roola, is interested in a vacation, and I mentioned that you were from a Veldt town. If possible, I would like some help in putting together a travel guide for her. I would like information regarding useful phrases, customs, places of interest, and other helpful advice. I would do this myself, but my impulse for thoroughness would likely result in a encyclopedia-sized tome, instead of an easy to reference brochure.
If you need me to come to Canterlot, I will be available all weekend. If you feel that this would be a daunting task, I could ask Zecora to help with the translation guide, since she uses her native language frequently. What I am mostly looking for is something that would be helpful to a first time visitor.
In closing, I would like to restate my love and admiration for you and father. You have helped Shining Armor and myself grow into fine upstanding citizens, and you should feel proud of that. I would also like to ask if you enjoyed the apple turn-overs that we brought over. My friend Applejack takes great pride in her families' produce, and I would like to let her know how well they were received.
Your loving daughter,
Twilight Sparkle-Pie.
P.S. Hihi future mom and dad, this is Pinkie. Twilight's being real super busy, but it's sweet that she's still able to take time to write you a letter. That reminds me, I should write a letter to my parents. I try to do so at least once a month, but sometimes you have to just let them know if something important is going on that can't wait. Like next week, I'm holding a Cutecineara for a colt in nearby Fillydelphia. It's not as busy as Manehattan, and the ponies there are very friendly. Have you been? If not you should definetly visit. My favorite attraction is Mareconi Plaza. Did you know that Mareconi invented the radio? Just think, without her, we wouldn't have music channels or talk shows, and everypony could only listen to what was immediately available. But thanks to Mareconi, we can hear music from distant lands such as Neighpon, The Griffon Kingdom, and even from the United Colonies. Speaking of the United Colonies. What's a Diamond Dogs' favorite kind of music? Rock Music! Oh oh, Twilights' giving me a stern look. So bye Mom, bye Dad. Love ya both.
Your future daughter
-Pinkie Pie-Sparkle.
Once the letters had been properly stamped and addressed, Twilight headed to the Ponyville Post Office, with Pinkie bounding along beside her. "After we get done with this, wanna come over for dinner?" Pinkie asked. "I made potato pot pie."
"I'd be delighted," Twilight said. "I really like the way you make the cheddar sauce."
"Oh, I know, I know," Pinkie giggled. "It takes a steady hoof to mix it juuuuuuust right."
===
Cheerilee and Toola Roola approached a group seated in the lobby of the attached hotel. "How are we all doing this evening?" The magenta pony greeted.
"We're having a good evening so far." One of the ponies replied, holding up one of the promotional tickets available from the casino. "This is a really cool idea. Why don't other casinos do this?" Her friends nodded in agreement.
"That's because other casinos rely on unique signature games or events to draw crowds," Cheerilee replied. "If you'd like a little history, I could tell you how we came up with them."
"Maybe in the morning." A reddish-brown donkey jack replied. "I just like that I can get a free meal after it's filled out."
"Not to mention that your complimentary wine and snacks certainly delight the palatte," The jenny next to him added. "Could I get some to take home?"
"I'm sure we can arrange for you to have some of the house blend," Cheerilee began. "May I have your room number?"
"It's 206." The jenny replied. "Under Greenhill."
Toola wrote on an available notepad. "Alright, Mrs Greenhill, I'll tell the staff that you'd like a gallon jug," She twirled a hoof. "How else may we be of service?"
"Maybe an autograph?" A stallion replied. "I really liked your performance onstage earlier." Toola blushed and giggled.
"Of course, Monsieur," Toola signed her name on a page, then presented it to the stallion. "And I do hope that you have good fortune when you return to the casino."
"Thank you, Mrs LaRoullette," The stallion replied, placing the paper in a jacket pocket. "Maybe this will help as a good luck charm."
"Oh, I did have a question," The first mare began. "Is it true that you had a Diamond Dog working here before the annexation of the United Colonies?"
"That's correct," Cheerilee replied. "I could go fetch him if you needed his help with something."
"Oh no need to trouble yourself on our account," The mare idly waved a hoof. "I just found it interesting. What does he do?"
"Right now, he helps take care of our fillies, as well as his own pup," Toola Roola replied.
"Oh, he has a pup? How cute," The mare said. She produced a catalog. "I run a small toystore. Maybe I could interest you in some of my wares."
Toola took the catalog. "Thank you, Miss. We're always interested in quality goods."
"No trouble at all," The mare replied. "You look like you'd make good customers, and I pride myself on my wares."
"We'll let you folks get back to your revelry," Cheerilee said. "We should tend to some of our other guests."
"Oh certainly," Mr Greenhill replied. "You two have a pleasant evening."
"We shall," Toola replied with a smile.
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